EDUCATION
Find Your
E
VOICE
veryone, of all ages and all voice abilities, can enjoy and benefit from singing. Music is an amazing form of selfexpression and singing in particular, with our own musical instrument – our voice – can be pure joy. The health benefits of singing are astounding and scientifically proven. Singing is one of the best stress relievers there is, as it helps get happy brain chemicals pumping around our system, flooding our bodies with feel good endorphins. Breathing deeply, right into the diaphragm, supports singing and vocal chords, and also refreshes oxygen in the blood stream – another great health benefit. Singing also helps with focus, confidence, self esteem, lung capacity, mental wellbeing, a sense of belonging and connection,
Singing is one of the best stress relievers there is
The benefits of singing are numerous but most of all it’s a joyful and fun activity which anyone can have a go at! Sara Whatley explores singing for all ages better sleep, posture, but most of all it is so much fun! Children have a natural affinity with music. It makes them light up! When they are really little rhythm gets their little behinds bopping and they love to clap along. My children have both loved going to rhyme time sessions at the local library where we all sing nursery rhymes and
shake rattles. Even as newborn babies, singing is vital to communication – after all babies in the womb listen to their parent’s voices talking and singing – and singing, or cooing, is one way they communicate with us. As children get to school age, singing becomes an important part of their education. It is a vital introduction to wider musical understanding, as well as helping them to grow confident in the classroom. It also has a calming and focusing effect and can help with wider learning overall. And, of course… it’s the perfect way to let your hair down in the midst of serious study! Singing sets the pathway for a life-long love of music and may help inspire children to choose a musical instrument to specialise in and take their musical journeys further. School choirs are brilliant for children to participate in, and bond with their peers. If they have a natural affinity for it, they may even want to progress to the stage, to drama productions and solo singing. September 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 43
