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Who knew? Singing and Oxytocin

August 26, 2013 by philip copeland Leave a Comment


Choir and choral singing was everythere this summer – the internet was ablaze with news of how singing unified heartbeats into a singular rhythm.  There were articles everywhere – CNN, NPR,  and medical news.  
 
Last week, TIME magazine added another interesting observation with the article:  Singing Changes Your Brain.
 
We knew that something special was happening in our rehearsals, but who knew it had anything to do with endorphins and oxytocin?  From TIME:

The elation may come from endorphins, a hormone released by singing, which is associated with feelings of pleasure. Or it might be from oxytocin, another hormone released during singing, which has been found to alleviate anxiety and stress. Even kids songs can really help children to chill out and learn in a fun environment. Oxytocin also enhances feelings of trust and bonding, which may explain why still more studies have found that singing lessens feelings of depression and loneliness. A very recent study even attempts to make the case that “music evolved as a tool of social living,” and that the pleasure that comes from singing together is our evolutionary reward for coming together cooperatively, instead of hiding alone, every cave-dweller for him or herself. 

I found it fascinating to read about Oxytocin levels and choral music, because Oxytocin is frequently mentioned as a hormone released during hugging, touching, and other intimate communications between humans.
 
I looked up the scientific study and found that it first came out ten years ago: Does singing promote well-being?: An empirical study of professional and amateur singers during a singing lesson. 
 
This is from the abstract:
Oxytocin concentrations increased significantly in both groups (men and women) after the singing lesson.
 
Amateurs reported increasing joy and elatedness (VAS), whereas professionals did not. However, both groups felt more energetic and relaxed after the singing lesson.
 
The interviews showed that the professionals were clearly achievement-oriented, with focus on singing technique, vocal apparatus and body during the lesson. The amateurs used the singing lessons as a means of self-actualization and self-expression as a way to release emotional tensions.
 
In summary, in this study, singing during a singing lesson seemed to promote more well-being and less arousal for amateurs compared to professional singers, who seemed to experience less well-being and more arousal.
 
Interesting stuff, eh?
 

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Comments

  1. Michael Griffin says

    November 26, 2014 at 4:34 am

    Very interesting!
     
    Another article about it here:
     
    http://mdgriffin63.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/sing-together-and-connect-oxytocin/
     
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  2. Edward Palmer says

    August 28, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    Is there anything in the cited abstract that would not be concluded by an average B.M. degreed singer?
    Interesting that one (the author) in such a distant field of study should find this subject so fascinating.
    Apprentice or journeyman status exist in music, too!  The professional kept and keeps at it!!!!
     
    EP
     
     
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  3. Tom Carter says

    August 26, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    Hey Philip!
     
    Absolutely interesting stuff!! 
     
    And if you add the phenomena of emotional contagion to the mix, I think it becomes even MORE fascinating! [Emotional contagion is the process whereby we experience similar mental/emotional states as the person/s we’re watching. Though various mechanisms (mirror neurons, empathy, emotional and physiological synchrony, mirroring…), the audience enjoys similar neurochemical releases while they watch the concert!!!
     
    So, the question is: What sort of neurochemical experience does one want the audience to have? One that connects them to all aspects of humanity as explored in the concert? Or one that connects them to thoughts and feelings around “singing well”? (I wonder about this “arousal”; I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s synonymous with anxiety or self-congratulory releases related to the degree of self or teacher-determined excellence in the moment!)
     
    And contrary to what one might draw from the abstract, a choir can sing with authentic expression and be not only “professional” but transformative in both sound and impact. Just as a choir can sing with “amateur” self-expression which results in a “professional” sound.
     
    Cheers!
     
    Tom
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