Learn to sing in Leeds
Four surprising health benefits of singing
-Samantha Vandersteen
Whether you just love to sing in shower, are always the first to grab the mic at karaoke or just have memories of singing in assembly at school, everyone will have tried singing at some point. There are many benefits to singing for both your mental and physical health, whatever your skill level. At MusicTeachers.co.uk we can work with you to hit all the right notes as you learn to sing in Leeds.
Four surprising health benefits of singing
In a car, in the shower, on a stage or in a group. Wherever you chose to sing, there is no denying that, for most, singing is a joyful experience. But it also has real benefits for your mental health and can help to lift your mood. It also has physical benefits through the breathing techniques used for singing and the strength gained in your respiratory muscles. Here are four other, more surprising ways, in which singing can benefit you.
1. Singing can help to reduce snoring
We can't promise to relieve annoyed partners of your snoring completely. But a study conducted in 2008 found that semi-professional singers in a choir had a significantly lower Snoring Scale Score (SSS) than non-singers. Though the results were promising, this was just an observational study, more research would be needed for a conclusive result. However, if your partner is at the end of their tether with your snoring, just 20 minutes of singing a day could be the key to solving your problems.
2. It increases your pain threshold
A study in 2012 investigated the impact of singing, drumming, and dancing on pain thresholds. The study wanted to determine if listening to music caused the release of endorphins needed to increase pain threshold or if it was the participation that was important.
The study concluded that listening to music did indeed have health benefits. Interestingly, it was the participation and the act of music performance that really impacted the boost of endorphins. Solely listening to music did not have the same impact on pain thresholds.
3. It can help to bring back memories for people with dementia
The positive impact of social inclusion through singing was already well recognised as a beneficial activity for people with dementia. However, a study that looked into the impact of ‘Singing for the Brain’ (group singing activities developed by The Alzheimer’s Society) considered if singing could also have a positive effect on memory.
Singing supported participants to feel socially included and helped them to accept and cope with dementia. The study found that there were some improvements in mood and memory. Some were able to remember song lyrics well and singing the songs that the participants knew could invoke forgotten memories associated with the song.
4. It can help with speech problems
The impact of singing on people with speech problems has been well researched. It is evident that singing can help to improve speaking ability in some cases of stuttering and aphasia. There have been many studies into the impact of singing on improving fluency of speech. One such study demonstrated that for those suffering with a stutter, singing the words to a song, rather than just reading them aloud, led to a greater reduction in stuttering.
How can I learn to sing in Leeds?
Our music teachers can help you enjoy the many mental and physical benefits of singing. Even if you are already skilled at singing, our teachers can support you to hone your technique, widen your vocal range, or just find the confidence to get on stage as you learn to sing in Leeds.
I’m tone deaf, can I still learn to sing?
Tone deafness, or amusia, is a clinical term that refers to an inability to pick out differences in pitch or follow a simple tune. Whilst many may claim to be tone deaf, only a few clinically lack the ability to hear and follow the music properly. For the others it’s likely that they just haven’t found the right teacher yet. Even if you think you can’t sing, our singing teachers in Leeds can help you learn to hit the right notes.
Is it hard to learn to sing?
Like every skill, learning to sing well takes time and practise. Some might find it easier to find the right pitch and notes, but they could still benefit from learning the correct techniques. Belting out a ballad without understanding technique, or breathing correctly can strain your vocal cords, and over time can leave lasting damage. So even if you can sing very well already, you could still benefit from having lessons with a qualified teacher who can ensure you have the right technique.
If singing doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t give up if it’s something you enjoy. Our teachers can help guide you to the right notes and teach you to sing well within your own vocal range.
How often should I practise singing?
Like with every skill, the more time you dedicate to practising the quicker you will progress. But unlike other instruments, one benefit to singing is that your voice is all you need. So even if you don’t have the time to do a full practice session every day, singing along in the car or accompanying your household chores with your favourite song all helps to hone your singing skills.
Where can I learn to sing in Leeds?
All our singing teachers based in Leeds offer both online and in-person lessons. If you can’t meet in-person, then you can make use of our OnlineClassRoom™. We developed our classroom to ensure that everyone has the access and flexibility to learn to sing. The online classroom is easy to use and offers full functionality to ensure your online experience offers the same as an in-person lesson.
To find a teacher to help you learn to sing in Leeds, visit our website for more information or browse our Leeds-based singing teachers now.
Playing music has plenty of health benefits too. For more information read our blog post Neuroplasticity: Why Playing Music is Healthy For the Brain.