Research
Recently British singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading presented a series of 15 minute programs on BBC Radio about choirs, from gospel to world music and classical. In one, she interviewed medical practitioners who describe the various benefits that singing can have on both mental and physical well-being, as well as talking to several people whose own lives have been completely transformed as a result of starting to sing in a choir.
Professor Stephen Clift of the Sidney de Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health at Canterbury Christchurch University in the UK, has conducted the first major European survey on the effect of singing on physical and mental well-being. The Centre is committed to researching the contribution of music and other participative arts activities in promoting the health and well-being of both individuals and communities. Professor Clifts survey provides evidence that singing in harmony with others, such as in a choir or in parts, is particularly beneficial. The outcomes reported include increased happiness as well as reduced stress levels; singing in unison also helps people cope with and recover from mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. Singing therapy is now being used to treat people suffering from dementia and stroke; even if you lose the ability to speak as the result of a stroke, it doesn't necessarily interfere with your ability to sing.
One of the Centre's aims is to unearth the scientific evidence that singing can measurably improve people's lives, whether young or old. Its goal is to introduce a practical scheme for 'Singing on Prescription' in the UK, to which people could be referred by their doctor, in a similar way to existing arts and exercise schemes, which have been very effective in increasing both the physical and psychological health of participants.
The power to transform lives?
It seems that music is being used in many different ways around the world to unite communities of people as well as to raise individual self-esteem and self-efficacy.
There are many examples of the transformational power of music and singing to change lives. The Choir of Hard Knocks certainly transformed the lives of its members. As Founder of The Song Room which has now brought music and arts programs to over 150,000 disadvantaged children throughout Australia, I have seen the amazing transformations in self esteem, communication, well being and overall academic performance. Students who are part of The Song Room programs want to come to school now. They connect with their peers and they are passionate about learning.
Creativity Australia’s objective is not only to give hope to, and raise the self-esteem of, the many employees who feel disenfranchised with the world of work; it also aims to develop social cohesion by spreading the use of music throughout the country. Where possible, it is planned that choir leaders will identify key people in each organization to be an 'understudy' and eventually carry on the program. And through engaging with the business community and engaging employees in the choirs, this program will eventually create innovative partnerships with community organisations to enable those less fortunate to participate in the choirs and related programs and events.
Positive Psychology in Practice
As the incidence of mental illness and stress continue to increase, the benefits of participating in activities which create a more positive psychology are becoming widely known and accepted. From a positive psychology perspective there are several different explanations for the effectiveness of singing and making music in improving physical and psychological well-being, for example:
- Self-Determination theory: making music alone and in groups fulfils the three fundamental human needs for autonomy, competence, and relating to others.
- Flow theory - making music is the ultimate flow experience. Playing an instrument is challenging, and as we develop our skill levels, we move on to more demanding pieces. The same goes for singing in unison - not only must you hit the right notes, you have the challenge of keeping time too. Thus the experience of flow is maintained whether you're a complete beginner or an expert.
- Hope and Optimism – these programs will enable people to start believing that their lives can actually turn out for the better. They can start setting meaningful goals, for example, and develop ways to achieve them.
- Strengths - finding something you can excel at and that you enjoy doing, and being given the opportunity to do it regularly, is one of the most enduringly positive experiences we know of.
This program is about creating great, innovative and productive companies of harmonious employees who value connection, social inclusion and want to make a difference to the community. Creativity Australia will become a network for wellbeing and social change.
