Singing for Wellbeing: How Choirs Are Boosting Mental Health
Researchers at St George’s music venue in Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE) sought to answer in their latest project, Sing for Happiness. Over 300 participants joined the initiative, which included choir sessions, mood surveys, and a festive performance. The findings build on previous summer research and aim to explore how singing can positively impact mental health, particularly during the challenging holiday season.
The Sing for Happiness Project
The project invited people of all singing abilities to participate, with many having no prior choir experience. Participants engaged in weekly sessions where their mood and energy levels were monitored through surveys and questionnaires. The study culminated in a festive group performance, fostering a sense of community and shared joy.
John Neugebauer, a participant, described his experience as "joyful," emphasizing the sense of belonging it created. “You get a great rush of endorphins when you’re singing. When words don’t do certain feelings justice, you can sing,” he said.
Jon Munday, another participant, shared similar sentiments. Initially hesitant due to his lack of singing experience, he found the sessions grounding and energizing. “Everything goes out of the window when you start singing,” he added.
Immediate Benefits of Singing
The research gathered data from 361 participants, analyzing mood surveys before and after sessions. The findings revealed an immediate improvement in mood, with participants reporting feeling calmer, more energized, and happier.
According to UWE researcher Kat Branch, the festive period added a unique dimension to the study. “Christmas is a draining time, especially for those who have faced loss or challenges. Singing helped participants feel more connected and supported,” she explained.
Community and Kinship Through Song
One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the sense of community it fostered. Participants described feeling a strong bond with fellow singers, which contributed to their improved mental state.
St George’s chief executive, Samir Savant, called the experience “magical.” He noted that many participants had not sung since childhood but were able to perform four-part harmonies by the end of the project.
Future Research and Expansion
Encouraged by the positive outcomes, researchers plan to conduct a similar study between spring and summer 2025. This will further explore the long-term benefits of singing on mental health and energy levels.
The Sing for Happiness project has shed light on the profound impact singing can have on mental health and wellbeing. Beyond the endorphin rush and mood boosts, participants found a sense of kinship and community in the shared experience. As researchers prepare for future studies, it’s clear that singing may hold the key to fostering mental resilience and joy in even the most challenging times.