• Singing produces “feel-good” endorphins – eating chocolate does too, but singing is less fattening.
• Singing is a great way to work out – it’s an aerobic exercise that increases oxygen levels in the blood without leaving you hot and sweaty.
• Singing makes you look good – it improves posture and tones tummy muscles.
• It’s very hard to worry and sing simultaneously – singing reduces stress levels and blood pressure.
• In a choir everyone’s part is important – you feel part of something special.

Some quotations to help persuade you:

Professor Graham Welch, Chair of Music Education at the Institute of Education, University of London, has studied developmental and medical aspects of singing for 30 years:

“The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting. Singing has psychological benefits because of its normally positive effect in reducing stress levels through the action of the endocrine system which is linked to our sense of emotional well-being. Psychological benefits are also evident when people sing together as well as alone because of the increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour.”

“Music is an essential part of everything we do. Like puppetry, music has an abstract quality which speaks to a worldwide audience in a wonderful way that nourishes the soul.” – Jim Henson 

“Music is the shorthand of emotion.” – Leo Tolstoy

“Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die.”  – Paul Simon

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” – Billy Joel