How Singing Can Bring a Miracle

One reason singing is so powerful is because it instantly changes how a person feels. This feeling applies to both the singer and the listener. It's a way to give (from the singer) and receive (the listener.) Singing can change lives and even bring miracles.

Singing brings the power of miracles. I have witnessed this often as a singer.

• The human singing voice can lift the sadness of another person, bringing hope and comfort.
• A beautiful voice filled with expression says "I know how you feel, you are not alone."
• The feeling of deep love is often exchanged between 2 people (or more) through singing.
• Lyrics which start out as mere words on a page come alive through a variety of dynamics and feelings that the singer conveys through tone and diction.
• Singing is so powerful it can motivate, encourage and inspire all within it's reach.

The Old Man Who Couldn't Speak.

On a cold and snowy November evening, I arrived at a Senior facility where I agreed to provide some after-dinner entertainment. Now I have never liked going out in the cold and this particular night was no exception. I was frozen to the bone.

As soon as I was greeted at the door by a jolly, warm-hearted woman, I stepped inside and immediately forgot all about being cold. The stage was all set up for me and the care-givers had obviously worked hard on decorations. The auditorium was filled to the brim with seniors in wheelchairs, with walkers, crutches and all seemed to have looks of despair.

I knew where those looks came from. Many were in pain, both physically and mentally. Most were lonely spawned by the daily routine and absence of family members. Some were entirely forgotten about like an old pair of shoes no longer needed.

I felt their pain. About 15 minutes into my show, I decided to have a sing-a-long. I chose the song "You Are My Sunshine." I wanted music everyone knew and a happy, up-beat song. During the singing, I walked from the stage into the audience and with a huge smile and began clapping my hands to the rhythm and beat of the song.

One-by-one each person in the audience began clapping along, including a man in a wheelchair sitting near the stage with his care-giver close beside. As the aging man began to clap the care-giver was astonished. Sensing that this was unusual, I bent down to meet his eyes and sang just to him. He began to join me in singing, clapping the entire time.

After my gig was over I stopped by the office to pick up my check. As I entered the room I was surprised to see it so full of administrators and nurses. The applause gave me chills, but I couldn't figure out why this was happening. I didn't have to wonder long.

It seems that the gentleman in the wheelchair had experienced a miraculous event. Up until my show, he was unable to speak or feed himself. Even therapy was uneventful for him.

But something happened during the sing-a-long and for the first time since his stroke, he was able to co-ordinate his hands and even sing. Singing also brought back his speaking voice.

Oh, the power of singing.

You might be interested in a few facts about singing. Some of these facts are truly surprising. The following information is taken from www.Encyclopedia.com:

• Sounds can influence brain wave frequencies.
• Brain function will physically change in response to music.
• The rhythm in music can guide the body into breathing in slower, deeper patterns that have a calming effect.
• Music can also relieve muscle tension and improve motor skills.
• Levels of endorphins, natural pain relievers, are increased while listening to music, and levels of stress hormones are decreased.
• A 1993 study at Michigan State University showed that even 15 minutes of exposure to music could increase interleukin-1 levels, a consequence which also heightens immunity.
• Newborns may enjoy even greater benefits from music. Premature infants experience more rapid weight gain and an earlier discharge from the hospital than their peers who are not exposed to music. There is also anecdotal evidence of improved cognitive function in premature infants from listening to music.
• Patients with brain damage from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurologic conditions have been shown to exhibit significant improvement as a result of music therapy.
• Music and singing can have a striking effect on patients with Alzheimer's disease , even sometimes allowing them to focus and become more responsive for a time

Research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. “A music-rich experience for children of singing, listening and moving is really bringing a very serious benefit to children as they progress into more formal learning,” says Mary Luehrisen, executive director of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, a not-for-profit association that promotes the benefits of making music.

I witnessed many of my own young vocal students progress in math and reading after a few months of lessons. These young people were having problems in school, some even failing in both of these subjects.

I believe that part of the reason for such progress has to do with rhythm and counting exercises, reading music and the need to read ahead and combining 2-3 actions at one time.

“Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on young minds.” ( www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts )

Ever since ancient times, singing has been considered a healing tool. With daily chanting, 'evil spirits' were drawn away. Families set aside certain times each day to gather together and chant using different tones and syllables.

Singing strengthens the immune system, according to research by scientists at the University of Frankfurt in Germany, published in the latest edition of the US Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

Concentrations of immunoglobin A - proteins in the immune system which function as antibodies - and hydrocortisone, an anti-stress hormone, increased significantly during singing including practice sessions.

Other ways in which singing is a healthy thing to do:

• Singing drives away the blues as it lifts the spirit.
• It gives the lungs a good workout when using diaphragmatic breathing.
• Because singing releases endorphins into the system, you feel more energized.
• Studies show that those who sing are healthier than people who don't sing.
• Because we use deep breathing when we sing, we take in more oxygen and improve circulation.

Can singing prolong life?

Greg Cohen of George Washington University tracked a Senior Singers Chorale in Arlington, Va. The chorale singers’ average age is 80 — the youngest is 65 and the oldest 96. Preliminary data shows the singers suffer less depression, make fewer doctor visits a year, take fewer medications and have increased their other activities.

Singing can instantly change lives for the better, even over-coming physical trauma such as stroke.

• One of the best fixes for depression is to sing a song with a positive message.
• Singing can motivate, uplift and inspire others.
• Children with low grades will show marked improvement after studying music.
• Music improves motor skills.
• Singing release endorphins giving more energy and feeling happy.
• Musical training physically develops the left side of the brain.
• Singing strengthens the immune system.
• Singing can prolong life.

Sound therapist Jovita Wallace says "Sound vibrations massage your aura, going straight to what's out of balance and fixing it."

Perhaps the most powerful message of all is this - singing is a joy.

Encyclopedia.com

National Association of Music Merchants Foundation

pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts

Barbershop.org

6 Tips For Better Singing