I saw some interesting claims about singing in this post from Ted Gioia’s newsletter, including some benefits for cognitive functioning:
A host of clinical studies now testify to the wisdom behind claims made by Eno, Kofler and others. We now know that:
- Singing improves our immune system.
- Singing lowers blood pressure.
- Singing improves cognitive functioning of elders suffering from dementia.
- Singing reduces stress and helps us cope with grief.
- Singing improves our tolerance of pain.
- Singing increases social bonding and feelings of connectivity.
- And, as I’ve written elsewhere, stroke victims can often sing words and phrases even when their speaking capacity has been impaired.
So maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that so many pop and rock singers are still touring in their 80s. Or wonder why Tony Bennett sang so well at his 90th birthday party. Or that Vera Lynn, the soldier’s sweetheart singer of World War II, released another hit record around the time of her 100th birthday.
Let me know what you think.
The Art of Breathing as the Basis of Tone-Production is public domain, so I’ve attached a copy here: