Everyone Should Sing! Here's Why…

Your voice is a unique musical instrument that can be put to use without any special training. If you can speak using your voice, then you're capable of singing. Though some of us have more natural talent than others, anyone can do it. Taking lessons can improve your sound and technique, but whether or not you're interested in vocal training, the act of singing carries numerous benefits. This is why it's safe to say that everyone should sing.

Singing helps you express emotion in a way that the spoken word cannot. Using melody, tone and timing, you can infuse tremendous meaning into lyrics. Singing can also stimulate the brain by accessing the regions associated with memories, which is why certain songs can bring back the feelings associated with a long-forgotten event. And on a physical level, singing has been shown to lower the heart rate and regulate breathing, both of which help to reduce stress.

Become a better musician

Are you brave enough to sing in front of people? Joining a group might help, but even if you do it alone in your room, singing improves self-esteem and builds confidence. If you already play another instrument, the boost in self confidence that singing provides contributes to your ability to be a better musician in general.

Singing also benefits you as a musician by allowing you to hear melodies differently than you do when playing your instrument. For example, if you play the piano and want to learn to create new melodies, try singing them first and then translating that tone and feeling to the keys.

Like most things, children are more suited to learning because their brains are still forming and are more malleable. Encouraging them to sing along with the music will allow them to soak in the many mental and physical benefits and help them to learn any other instrument they choose to play.

Start 'em young

If you've ever spent time in a preschool classroom, then you've noticed that teachers use singing to promote memorizing academic concepts, learning about cooperation and making the school experience fun. And learning music has many proven benefits for a child's brain as well, regardless of the instrument they play. Musical kids are developing parts of their brains associated with math and creativity. Johnson String Instrument recommends the Tap, Clap and Sing book to help kids to master musical skills, using movement, memory prompts and rhythmic exercises.

Singing releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, into the brain. On top of everything else it does for you, singing makes you happy. So, whenever you have an opportunity, go head and belt out your favorite song. You'll be doing your body and your brain a favor.