Rubens’ Blog: The Benefits Of Singing

Published on: 29 Apr, 2022
Updated on: 29 Apr, 2022

Rubens King writes and gives advice and tips on mental health issues to help tackle stigma and make conversations about mental health normal. Here, he gives some suggestions on how singing can help your wellbeing.

Various media can be used as an avenue for creative expression – art, writing, film, illustrating, and singing.

Singing can be done solo, in a duet, a band or in a choir. There’s lots of genres for singing: like classical, pop, jazz and rock. Whether or not you have a natural flare or talent for singing, there are many benefits of singing.

Singing in a choir can be beneficial for group membership, a sense of belonging and connection with others. Feeling like you belong somewhere can be such a valuable contribution to identity and quality of life. Especially coming out of lockdown.

Group membership and belonging links to connection with others and this can inspire long-lasting friendships. Therefore, singing in a choir can help with identity, building friendships, and connecting to others.

The Rhythm of Life Community Choir at one of its rehearsals at The Hive in Park Barn, Guildford. Its choirmaster is Karen Taylor, who took the photo!

The Guildford Dragon’s NEWS writer David Rose is one of the leaders of the well-established Rhythm of Life Community Choir that is based in Park Barn, Guildford..

Around 25 people regularly sing in the choir at its Thursday evening rehearsals (6.45pm to 8.30pm) at the Hive (formerly the Park Barn Centre), off Park Barn Drive, Guildford, and they give concerts too! New singers are always welcome.

Click here for the choir’s Facebook page.

Furthermore, signing can create stability through a routine, a safe place where you can be yourself and pour passion into harmonic symphony with likeminded individuals.

A routine can be helpful to have future fun planned. This is a useful wellbeing and mental health tactic to overcome adversity. For example, if you had a bad day, you could rest assured knowing you can look forward to in this case, singing in a choir.

Moreover, identifying, developing and thriving through engaging with other people in the community participating in an activity you’re passionate about can be extremely fulfilling and life affirming. Therefore, singing in a choir can also help with creating a routine, and therefore helping wellbeing and mental health.

Other community choirs in the Guildford area include the Rock Choir and Oakleaf Enterprises’ Choir Wednesdays via zoom 6.30pm to 7.30pm (here’s a link – https://www.oakleaf-enterprise.org/eventer/everyone-choir-via-zoom/)

Click here for the Facebook page of the Guildford, Godalming and Farnham Rock Choir.

Stoughton Hearts and Voices Community Choir meets on Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 9pm at the QE Park Centre, Railton Road, Queen Elizabeth Park, Guildford, GU29LX. Click here for website.

Guildford Vox is a friendly and popular community choir and meets on Monday evenings at St Mary’s Church, Quarry Street, Guildford. Click here for website.