The Benefits of Singing on Your Body, Mind & Soul: Why September Is the Perfect Time to Start Singing Lessons
There is something almost magical about singing. You can be having a difficult day, feeling tired or carrying a head full of thoughts, and then you start singing—and somehow, you feel different. Your breathing changes, your body becomes more engaged, your mood begins to lift and, for a few moments, whatever was occupying your mind can fade into the background. This isn't simply wishful thinking. Singing is a surprisingly complex activity that involves your breathing, vocal muscles, posture, hearing, brain, emotions and nervous system simultaneously. Research into the effects of singing has found associations with positive mood, social connection, stress regulation and overall wellbeing. Singing has even been studied in relation to biological processes involving hormones and neurochemicals associated with stress, pleasure and social bonding.
In other words, singing isn't just something you do to make music. It is something you do with your entire body. And perhaps one of the most wonderful things about singing is that you don't have to be a professional singer—or even consider yourself a "good" singer—to enjoy many of its benefits. You don't need to perform on a stage, sing in front of an audience or have years of vocal training. You can experience the joy of singing simply by using your voice.
That makes singing a remarkably accessible form of physical, emotional and creative self-care.
With September just around the corner, this is also a wonderful time to think about making singing part of your regular routine. September has a natural feeling of renewal. Summer winds down, routines return and we begin thinking about the months ahead. If you've been telling yourself that you'd love to take singing lessons, improve your voice, sing with more confidence or simply do something enjoyable for yourself, September could be the perfect time to begin.
Let's look at why.
Singing Is a Full-Body Activity
When people think about singing, they often imagine that the most important thing is what comes out of their mouth. But the voice doesn't work in isolation. Singing involves your whole body.
Your breathing provides the energy for your sound. Your vocal folds vibrate to create the initial sound. Your throat, mouth and tongue help shape it. Your posture influences how freely you can breathe and move. Your hearing constantly monitors what you're producing, allowing your brain to make adjustments. And your nervous system coordinates this entire process in real time. This means that singing is both physical and mental.
When you sing a sustained phrase, for example, you have to regulate your breath rather than simply exhaling all at once. When you sing higher, your vocal system has to coordinate differently. When you change volume, tone or resonance, your body has to make subtle adjustments. And when you sing a song expressively, your brain is processing melody, rhythm, words, emotion and physical coordination at the same time.
A review examining the physiological effects of singing found evidence that singing can affect several systems of the body, including respiratory and cardiovascular processes, as well as hormonal and neurochemical activity. That's one reason singing can leave you feeling surprisingly energized after a lesson or a good singing session. You're not simply sitting still making sounds. You're breathing, coordinating, listening, concentrating and expressing yourself.
Singing is a whole-body experience.
The Benefits of Singing for Your Breathing
One of the most immediate physical benefits of singing is increased awareness of the breath.
We don't usually think about breathing. It happens automatically. But when you sing, breathing becomes something you intentionally coordinate with what you're doing. You need enough air to sustain a phrase, but you also need to manage how that air leaves your body. You have to decide when to breathe, how much breath to take and how to release it efficiently while maintaining a comfortable sound.
For many people, this creates a greater awareness of their breathing patterns. It can also be an entirely different experience from the shallow, hurried breathing that can accompany a stressful day. Think about what happens when you're worried or rushing. Your breathing may become quicker and less conscious. Your shoulders may tense. Your body may feel as though it is preparing to deal with something.
Singing asks you to pause.
You take a breath.
You begin a phrase.
You regulate your airflow.
You listen to the sound.
You breathe again.
This deliberate coordination can feel grounding and calming, especially when singing is approached without pressure or fear. Of course,
singing shouldn't be viewed as a treatment for a medical or respiratory condition. But as an everyday activity, it can encourage greater awareness of breathing and body coordination—and that alone can be a wonderful addition to your wellbeing routine.
Read the following blog to learn 3 Exercises to Sing from the Diaphragm that show you how to breathe like a singer!
Can Singing Make You Happier?
This is one of the questions people often ask when talking about the benefits of singing.
The short answer is that singing can certainly make many people feel happier, more energized and more positive. Research has found associations between singing and improvements in mood and wellbeing. Studies of singing have also examined changes in hormones and neurochemical systems involved in stress, pleasure and social bonding. This is where you may have heard the expression that singing releases "happy hormones." The science is a little more complicated than that phrase suggests, but there is an interesting basis behind it.
Singing has been studied in relation to endorphins, oxytocin and cortisol, among other biological processes. Endorphins are involved in the body's systems for pleasure and pain modulation. Oxytocin is commonly associated with social bonding and connection, while cortisol plays an important role in the body's stress response. Research has found that singing can influence these systems, although the results aren't identical in every situation and can depend on factors such as whether you are singing alone or with others, how stressful the activity is and the individual involved.
For example, research comparing singing and speaking has found that singing together can increase feelings of social connection and has been associated with changes in oxytocin. Other research has found reductions in cortisol following certain singing activities.
Interestingly, however, singing isn't automatically relaxing under every circumstance. If you're terrified about performing in front of a large audience, singing on stage may initially increase your stress response rather than reduce it. This is an important distinction. The potential benefits of singing are not about forcing yourself into situations that make you uncomfortable. They are about finding ways of singing that feel enjoyable, engaging and supportive. And that's one of the reasons a private singing lesson can be such a wonderful place to begin.
Wondering about whether singing lessons would be a good investment in your wellbeing? Check out this blog to find out how much vocal lessons cost in Toronto.
Singing Can Be a Natural Mood Booster
Have you ever noticed how quickly music can change your mood? You hear one of your favourite songs and suddenly you feel more energetic. A nostalgic song brings back a wonderful memory. A powerful ballad gives you an emotional release. A fun song makes you want to move.
Now imagine doing more than listening. Imagine singing. When you sing, you become an active participant in the music rather than simply receiving it. You're using your breath, body, hearing and emotions to create the sound. That active participation can make the experience even more immersive.
Research on singing has found positive effects on emotional state, including increased positive affect and reductions in negative affect in some settings. Systematic reviews have also identified potential benefits of singing and music-making for aspects of psychological wellbeing.
And you may have experienced this yourself without ever thinking about the science.
You start singing because you're in a good mood, and your good mood becomes even better.
Or you start singing because you're frustrated, and after a few songs, you feel like you've released some of that frustration. Or perhaps you sing because you're nervous, and by the time you've finished, you feel more grounded.
Singing gives your emotions somewhere to go.
Singing and Stress: Giving Your Mind a Break
Modern life gives us very few opportunities to completely switch off. Even when we're physically resting, our minds can be busy. We're thinking about work, family, appointments, finances, messages, responsibilities and everything that needs to happen tomorrow.
Singing can provide a different kind of mental focus. When you're singing, you have to pay attention to what you're doing. You're listening to pitch and rhythm. You're coordinating your breathing. You're following words. You're thinking about the melody. You're responding to what you're hearing. The more engaged you become, the less mental space there is for everything else. This can create an experience of being fully present. You don't necessarily need to think about yesterday or tomorrow. You're singing now. This type of absorption is sometimes associated with the psychological concept of "flow"—a state in which someone becomes deeply immersed in an activity.
That doesn't mean every singing session will produce a profound meditative state. But singing can certainly give your brain something positive and engaging to focus on.
For someone who spends most of the day thinking, planning, solving problems and taking care of other people, an hour devoted entirely to singing can be a wonderful change of pace.
Singing Can Help You Connect With Your Emotions
Perhaps one of the most beautiful benefits of singing is emotional expression.There are emotions that are difficult to explain in conversation. Sometimes we don't even fully understand what we're feeling ourselves. Music can reach those places differently. A song can express sadness, longing, excitement, love, frustration, hope or joy without requiring us to explain any of it. And when you sing the song yourself, something changes. You're not merely listening to someone else express an emotion. You're giving that emotion your own voice. This is one reason song interpretation can be such a powerful part of singing. Learning to sing isn't only about hitting the correct notes. It's also about discovering how you want to communicate through those notes.
The breath changes.
The tone changes.
The dynamics change.
The phrasing changes.
Your intention changes.
Suddenly, the song becomes yours. And that process can be deeply satisfying.
Singing Can Build Confidence
One of the biggest reasons people seek out singing lessons is confidence. Some people have always loved singing but have never felt comfortable singing in front of anyone else. Others have been told at some point in their lives that they "can't sing." Some have experienced embarrassment or criticism when they were younger and have carried that memory for years. As a result, they may hold their voice back.
They sing quietly.
They avoid certain notes.
They don't sing around other people.
They choose songs based on what they think they can get away with rather than what they actually want to sing.
But singing ability isn't a fixed trait. There are natural differences between voices, of course, but many aspects of singing can be developed through training and practice.
You can learn how to coordinate your voice more effectively. You can develop greater awareness of pitch. You can work on breath management, resonance, vocal flexibility, range, dynamics and expression. And every time you discover that you can do something you previously believed was impossible, your confidence can grow. Perhaps you finally sing a high note that has always felt out of reach. Perhaps you learn why your voice becomes strained in a particular part of your range. Perhaps you discover that you don't actually have a "bad voice"—you simply hadn't learned how to use it. These discoveries can be incredibly empowering. And the confidence you develop through singing doesn't necessarily stay inside your singing lessons. When you become more comfortable being heard, that can influence how you think about your own ability to express yourself.
Singing Is a Creative Outlet
Another important benefit of singing is simply that it is creative. Creativity isn't only for professional artists; we all need opportunities to create and express ourselves. When you sing, you're participating in the creation of something, and even when you're singing a song written by someone else, your voice gives it a unique sound, personality and emotional interpretation. No two people sing exactly the same way because every voice has its own qualities, experiences and character. Learning to use your voice can therefore become a form of self-expression that is entirely your own. And unlike many other creative hobbies, singing doesn't require a lot of equipment—you don't need a studio, expensive instruments or even a large space. You have your voice with you wherever you go, which makes singing one of the most accessible creative activities there is.
Singing Can Strengthen Social Connection
Humans have been singing together for thousands of years.
We sing at celebrations, ceremonies, concerts, sporting events, family gatherings and community events. We sing lullabies to babies and songs with children. We sing around campfires and in choirs.
There is something powerful about making music together.
Research into group singing has found associations with social bonding, belonging, positive emotion and wellbeing. Singing together can create a shared experience in which people coordinate their voices, breathing and timing.
But you don't need to join a choir to experience connection through singing.
Even a private singing lesson can be a very personal form of connection.
You are sharing something vulnerable. You're experimenting with sounds. You're discovering new abilities. You can laugh about mistakes and celebrate breakthroughs. Over time, the singing lesson can become something you genuinely look forward to—not simply because you're improving, but because you're spending time doing something that makes you feel good.
Here are some tips on singing in a choir and improve your skills.
Why September Is the Perfect Time to Start Singing Lessons
So why talk about September? Because September has a unique energy. January is traditionally considered the month for new beginnings, but September has its own powerful sense of renewal. After the more relaxed pace of summer, routines begin returning, people settle back into work and school schedules, calendars fill up again, and our attention naturally turns toward the months ahead. It's a transition, and transitions are wonderful opportunities to ask yourself what you want to make room for. Maybe you've been thinking about exercising more, learning something new, spending more time doing things that make you happy, or reconnecting with a part of yourself that has been neglected. Or maybe you've been saying for years that you'd love to take singing lessons.
September is a perfect time to stop putting it off. Instead of waiting for January, you can begin now and give yourself several months to develop your voice before the end of the year. Imagine starting September unable to comfortably sing a particular song and reaching December with a completely different understanding of your voice. Imagine discovering that a note you've always avoided is actually within your range, becoming more confident singing around other people, and looking forward to your weekly singing lesson as one of the enjoyable parts of your routine. That is a much better resolution than simply adding another obligation to your calendar.
You Don't Have to Be a Good Singer to Start Singing Lessons
If you're considering singing lessons but you're worried that you're not good enough, please don't let that stop you. You don't take singing lessons because you've already mastered singing; you take them because you want to learn, improve and discover what your voice is capable of. You don't need to arrive with perfect pitch, an impressive vocal range or any performance experience, and you certainly don't need to know complicated vocal terminology or prove anything. A good singing lesson should meet you where you are and help you build from there. Perhaps you're a complete beginner. Perhaps you've been singing for years but want to develop your technique. Maybe you used to sing regularly and want to get your voice back, or perhaps you're already a confident singer who wants to take your skills further. Wherever you're starting from, what matters most isn't how good you are today, but your willingness to learn and your desire to become a better, more confident singer.
What Can You Work on in Singing Lessons?
The answer depends on your voice and your goals.
Some singers want to sing higher. Others want more power or volume. Some want to stop straining when they sing. Others want to improve their pitch, breath control, vocal flexibility or tone.
You may want to become more comfortable singing in front of people, prepare for an audition, improve your performance skills or simply sing your favourite songs more easily.
And sometimes, the biggest discovery is understanding why something isn't working.
You may be working extremely hard to produce a particular sound when the real issue is unnecessary tension or inefficient coordination.
That's why personalized vocal coaching can be so valuable. Rather than simply giving you an exercise and telling you to repeat it, a singing teacher can listen to what your voice is doing and help you understand what may be getting in the way. The goal isn't to force your voice into a particular sound. It's to help you discover how your own voice can work more freely and effectively.
Singing Lessons Can Be Something You Do for Yourself
There is one more reason I think September is such a beautiful time to begin singing lessons: you don't need a practical reason. You don't need to become a professional singer, perform on stage, post yourself singing online or have a goal that impresses anyone else. You can take singing lessons simply because you enjoy singing. We sometimes feel that everything we do has to be productive or lead to a specific outcome, but pleasure matters. Creativity matters. Connection matters. Having something to look forward to matters. Doing something that makes you feel energized and alive matters. Singing can bring all of those things into your life, and perhaps that is one of its greatest benefits: it gives you an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life, reconnect with yourself and simply enjoy being you.
Make This September the Month You Find Your Voice
Singing is good for the body because it engages breathing, coordination and physical awareness. It can be good for the mind because it demands attention and can provide an absorbing break from everyday thoughts. It can support emotional wellbeing by giving us a way to express ourselves, experience joy and release emotion. And it can bring people together through one of the most universal forms of human expression.
The science behind singing and wellbeing is continuing to develop, and it is important not to treat singing as a cure for medical or mental health conditions. But the evidence is increasingly interesting—and millions of people don't need a scientific study to tell them what they already experience when they sing.
Singing feels good.
It can make you smile.
It can energize you.
It can calm you.
It can help you express something you couldn't otherwise put into words.
And it can give you that wonderful feeling of being completely present in the moment.
So if you've been thinking about taking singing lessons, perhaps this is your sign.
Don't wait until January.
Don't wait until you're more confident.
Don't wait until you think you're "good enough."
Start where you are.
Ready to discover what your voice can do?
If singing has been something you've always wanted to explore, I'd love to help you get started.
At Voice Yourself Singing, I offer personalized private singing lessons designed around your individual voice, experience and goals. Whether you're a complete beginner, returning to singing after years away, or an experienced singer looking to develop your technique, we'll work together to help you sing with greater freedom, confidence and enjoyment.
Singing lessons are available both in person and online, so you can choose the format that works best for you. Follow the link below to set up your free consultation:
Your voice doesn't have to be perfect before you begin. That's what lessons are for.
And you don't have to wait for the "right" time.
Make this September the beginning of something that brings more music, energy, confidence and joy into your life. Book a singing lesson with Voice Yourself Singing and discover what your voice is capable of.
Sing your heart out!
Val Bastien, OCT
Vocal Coach