How Music Works: What Happens to your Brain when you Sing?

Singing in the shower makes your voice sound great, but is it also good for your mental health? We asked Professor Sarah Wilson from the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Melbourne.

Wilson suggests that yes, singing offers a range of neuro-protective benefits, acting as “a form of natural therapy.”
As well as activating a range of networks associated with movement, listening, planning, memory, and language, singing triggers the release of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine.

According to Wilson, the benefits of singing can be triggered by both singing and thinking about singing.

So if you don’t feel comfortable breaking into song on the bus, try thinking about it instead.

[freetruth]

Wow! This explains why I feel so good when I sing. Love it!

[maireid]

Yes! Singing "gives all those networks a workout, bringing protective, or neuro-protective benefits for our mental health". :)

[daveyewart]

i suspect playing an instrument has a similar effect

[april]

Does it tell you sing good when you don’t???

[schroederra]

I'd like to see some research cited.

[neddyladdy]

Well, your brain is ruined to the extent that you start an address with so. ie. you turn into a seppo