Music making, in some capacity, has existed for as long as humanity. In fact, it is thought that singing most likely predated human speech and that music came before language. Anatomically, most of us have the capacity to produce sound with our throats – but does that mean anyone can sing? We like to believe so!

How Do Our Bodies Make Music

The act of singing relies on multiple factors:

• Lungs for regulating air flow
• A larynx which acts like the reed of our voicebox and vibrates sound
• Bones which amplify the noise
• A tongue, teeth, and lips which add vowels and constants to this amplification.

Our body is like a walking human instrument, the parts working together to create song. The shape of our vocal chords and our stature means that each of us produces our own unique sound.

The Importance of Singing

Singing has so many benefits: vocal chanting is an oft-used technique for stress relief, and some studies show music therapy can help stimulate immune responses. Singing in a group also promotes camaraderie, reduces loneliness, and can help with engaging distinct regions of the brain that reawaken autobiographical memory. On top of this, singing is compared to light aerobic exercise – great for regulating heart rate and blood pressure.

Anyone Can Sing at The Watermill

Anna Winton Mills’ Song Circle covers basic singing technique and uses choral work as a means to encourage a relaxed approach to performing. She says: “I have never met anyone who can’t be taught to sing – it may take a little while to overcome the belief that we can’t and to sidestep the fear, but I promise I can help.”