The Power of Singing

We are so lucky to each have a voice of our own. Not only is it our source of communication, but it allows each of us to sing! While many people will not develop this skill, as a musician it is crucial to sing and to practice singing. Not only is it fun, but it develops and enhances many musical abilities you already have!

Singing your part, if you’re an instrumentalist, is borderline necessary to understanding phrasing. Following the natural breaths of your voice (pending you’re putting them in the right place) will hopefully result in more expressive phrasing. Since the voice is automatically connected to our bodies, we may be able to “feel” a piece of music faster than connecting to it through an instrument. Singing also allows you to shape dynamics in a way you may never have done on your instrument.

The health benefits of singing could be an article all on its own, however, I will name a few of the important ones now. Singing correctly results in better posture, which triggers more healthy things to occur in your body. Singing also relieves physical and mental stress, and can lower your blood pressure. When choristers participate in song together their heart beats sync up – a fantastic phenomena that proves that singing gives both a physical and emotional connection to each other.

If you’ve never sang before it can be nerve wracking. The most important things are to start small – sing just a few measures of what you’re playing, and to keep doing it! If you are inconsistent, or if you shy away, it is nearly impossible to improve. Don’t wait for your teacher to help you, you can even try it today. Good luck and happy singing!