The Power of Song

Did you know that singing can make you feel more connected to others, even if you’ve just met them?

In 2015, researchers decided to explore how singing can spark social bonds among new acquaintances. They tracked adult education classes over seven months, which either involved singing or non-singing activities, like crafting or creative writing. Participants were asked to rate their feelings of closeness and mood before and after each session, and at three significant points during the study (months 1, 3, and 7). The researchers also tracked endorphin levels, which are our body’s natural stress and pain relievers, often linked to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Here’s where it gets interesting: while all participants felt a strong connection to their group by the end of the seven months, the singers bonded significantly faster, showing a marked increase in group closeness as early as the first month. Singers also reported a greater boost in their mood after class compared to the non-singers. However, endorphin release was similar for both groups, indicating that group activities, in general, can enhance social bonding.^[1]

Thinking About the Research

This points to some fascinating conclusions, right? Should we all start our classes with a song to feel better and bond quickly? What other information would you want to know about this study to better understand its conclusions? You might want to know, for example, the average age of the participants, their gender, their cultural background, how the groups were chosen, what types of songs they sang, and more. The participants’ average age was 60 for the singers and 52 for the non-singers—you might question if mature adults feel more connected than younger groups. Both groups were predominately female—would an all-male choir respond the same way? The participants were not assigned to their groups at random—could those who self-selected to sing also be naturally more sociable?

Takeaways

Despite certain limitations, this research hints that shared musical experiences can kindle a sense of acceptance and belonging. Other studies have delved deeper into why singing might stir group connections. They suggest that the coordination required in singing—matching pitch, timing, and volume—builds social connections, much like a sports team coordinating their efforts.^[2]

So, these studies paint a fascinating picture of how group activities, especially singing, can boost social cohesion and a shared sense of identity and belonging. Next time you’re feeling a little out of place among new faces, why not initiate a group sing-along? It might just break the ice and get everyone in harmony!

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