The Healing Power of Music: How Singing Improves Mental and Emotional Well-being

Created: JANUARY 27, 2025

The therapeutic benefits of music, especially singing, are becoming increasingly recognized. Studies show that music therapy can address symptoms of various conditions, from chronic pain and anxiety to cancer and respiratory illnesses. Joanne V. Loewy, director of The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at Mount Sinai, emphasizes the positive impact of singing on well-being, particularly for children and teenagers facing emotional challenges.

Group singing

The UK's Tenovus Cancer Care launched "Sing with Us" choirs to provide support and boost morale for individuals affected by cancer. This initiative stemmed from a successful staff choir experiment, leading to research confirming the positive effects of singing on anxiety reduction and overall mood. The choirs now have a global reach, including a virtual option, and offer a diverse repertoire of contemporary music.

Research reveals that singing in choirs enhances quality of life and mitigates depression and anxiety. A 2016 study comparing choir members to a non-singing group demonstrated significant anxiety reduction in singers, especially those caring for cancer patients. Singing also proved particularly beneficial for individuals with initially low well-being. Furthermore, those grieving the loss of loved ones experienced more stable mental health compared to non-singers, who showed increased depression and fluctuating well-being.

Children singing

A member of the renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square shared their personal experience, describing how singing provides rejuvenation, strength, and empowerment. The shared purpose and collaborative creation of music within a supportive community contribute to a renewed spirit and positive mindset.

People singing

Dr. Martin Rubin highlights music's untapped potential for positive impact on patients, while Dr. Schery Mitchell, a retired pediatrician and musician, emphasizes the neurological benefits of playing music, citing its ability to activate the entire brain. She references Plato's quote on music's profound influence on the soul, mind, imagination, and overall well-being.

Julie Andrews singing

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