Singing can lead to improved health, better career

BERLIN/COLOGNE  - Beautiful singing can be so moving that it brings tears to listeners’ eyes and sends shivers down their spines, but many people use their voice simply as an instrument to convey information, and it is not always reliable.

Now research shows that the art of singing should not be reserved just for professionals, especially because the required skills to make the most of singing are more common than many people think.

“Humans are natural talents,” said Karl Heinz Schmitt, a long-time choral director in Aschaffenburg, Germany, and author of books on the subject.

Discovering and enjoying one’s singing voice is more than just a superficial exercise. Singing strengthens expressiveness and promotes demonstrable personal well-being and health, according to researchers.

Good for health!

A study of 31 amateur singers conducted by the University of Frankfurt showed that singing stimulated the production of antibodies that, among other things, protect the upper respiratory system from infection. Singing is similar to meditation and walking in terms of its positive effects on health, said Gunter Kreutz, the leader of the study.

People who sing regularly can improve their breathing, increase their supply of oxygen, stimulate their circulation and transfer their body into a “balanced and energized” state, said professor Wolfram Seidner of the University Clinic Charite in Berlin.

Mental benefits

The mental benefits of singing are just as important, Seidner said. In a society in which power, money and work are valued above almost anything else, many people’s musical talents could waste away.

At the same time, experience with music is a productive force that can inspire creativity in other areas. Seidner said studies show that men and women who were formerly involved in music are better team leaders in their careers.

Seidner said trained soloists use different nuances of their voice to relate certain emotional messages while speaking. Singers can employ this skill to their benefit in their day-to-day lives.

“It is a huge plus to know how to express oneself vocally,” Seidner said. “Those who do are richer and more successful.”

The Munich-based speech therapist and author Eva Loschky generally considers the voice the most important means of expression.

“Anyone who doesn’t have the full power of his voice at his command, experiences a reduction in his personal expression and limitations in the quality of his life,” Loschky said.

Keeps the voice young

Singing also keeps the voice young, which can be a benefit to woman when they enter menopause, a time when a woman’s voice loses some of it range and smoothness.

“The ageing process can be slowed down,” said Seidner, who has questioned many of his older colleagues about this.

In Germany there are about 26,000 choirs, according to Peter Lamprecht of Germany’s umbrella organization for choirs. About 230,000 women were members of organized choirs in 2003; the number of men was 325,000, according to the Cologne-based organization.

There are also singing groups organized by adult education teachers and private individuals with musical talent. Lamprecht said such groups are becoming more common, but nobody knows how many there are.

Choirs usually hold rehearsals once a week and give one or two concerts annually. The ability to read music is not necessary initially because the songs are learnt with the help of the director, Lamprecht said. Only in the most ambitious choirs is entrance more restricted. Most choirs are happy to take anyone, Lamprecht said.

Schmitt said a singer can acquire the ability to read notes. But Lamprecht advises singers to seek another choir if the demands are too high. It’s not about perfection, he said, rather the joy of singing. And this joy can light up a life that’s been permeated by the need to compete and produce.

Seidner, who grew up in a house full of vocal music as well as the piano, cello and accordion, said his musical education has been a source of strength throughout his life.

“There is always a joyous, singing core within me and a lot bounces off of it,” Seidner said.

DPA

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