Four Unique and Fun Ways to Bring More Singing into Your Life

Much has been written about the fact that singing is a powerful way to enhance our lives. As a long time singer and vocal coach, I have observed first hand how singing can improve our mood immediately. Lifting our voices in song can bring new life to our imaginations; help us to breathe better; stand more upright; and find deeper joy and emotional release through meaningful lyrics and melodies. 

But it is not always easy to find accessible ways to bring more singing into our lives. You may not believe you are ready to join a choir. (Though you may be wrong about that!) You may not want to spend time and money on private lessons on the internet or in real life. So what other things can you do that would be a little more accessible, fun and beneficial to your health? 

Here are four suggestions:

#1: A Project of Generations

If you have young grandchildren (or great grandchildren!), consider creating a joint song project for a specific holiday. If you choose Thanksgiving, find an upbeat and simple song that you both can learn. Taylor Swift is popular these days. As one example, here is a sweet song that you might consider. 

Let’s Talk About This!

You can talk with your loved one about the lyrics. Do you both like Swift’s voice? Do you like her personality? Discuss how you feel when you sing her song. Are you breathing better? Does the melody give you an emotional lift? There are many ways to “share” a song and therefore bond more deeply with a younger person. 

I Love This Song! Here’s Why

Or introduce your grandchild to a song from your era that you love. Learn to sing it together. Print out the lyrics. Then explain why the song is important to you. Is it the melody and/or the lyrics that make your heart beat faster? Does the song bring back memories? Are these memories that you can share? 

We know that four powerful, feel-good hormones course through our bodies when we sing together (dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin) – especially if we are singing songs that light our inner fire. 

Alternatively, you might choose a Christmas-song project. (Or Kwanzaa or Hanukkah.) Several years ago, it occurred to me that people who visit my Youtube channel, Singing After 40, might also find it useful to learn how to teach a grandchild a well-known song. 

Silent Night as a Two-Some?

Since it was Christmas time, I chose the song “Silent Night.” In this video, I take you step by step through a beloved carol. But you can follow the steps shown in this video with any song you choose. 

#2: This Choir Is for Me!

Perhaps you are seeking a choral experience, but you don’t feel you have the voice or musical knowledge to approach a good choir.

After Sixty & Me published an article of mine about singing, a reader named “Eddy” left a comment where he raved about his joy in singing with an organization that made it very easy to find a local chorale and to be accepted into it, no matter your musical ability. 

It is called Encore Creativity for Older Adults. On their website, they write that it is “the nation’s largest choral arts organization for adults 55 and over. With over 40 ensembles nationwide, and over 1500 singers ages 55 to 99.”About his experience with the organization, Eddy wrote: “I have made new friends, developed my voice skills, and feel a sense of purpose in daily living.”

#3: Let’s Eat and Sing!

Host a Singing Potluck Dinner (or Tea Party). The idea for this party is that you bring both a dish and a song. You may want to limit the number of people to less than 10 so that each person has enough time to talk about their dish and to sing. 

In these kinds of open-ended occasions, there are often one or two people who need to take more limelight than is comfortable for the others. (Especially if there is wine involved!) In this case, I suggest you limit each person to 10 minutes for talking about their food contribution and for singing the song. And set a timer!

If you invite people with a variety of backgrounds, you may have songs in different languages which can be a heart and ear opening experience. But you may also limit the dinner/tea party to two or three close friends. This kind of intimate gathering can offer more in-depth sharing. And there is nothing like food and music to bring people closer together.

#4: Walking,’ Talking,’ Singin’!

As a final idea, consider a walk and singalong event with friends. Christmas carolling comes to mind. But you can also walk and sing at other (warmer) times of the year, too. Choose a special era of songs: 50s, 60s 70s. Print out some lyric sheets. Then walk together in nature or in an accepting neighbourhood, where your singing would bring both joy and conversation. 

Keep in mind that singing by yourself can also be a great health boost. Some of my students love to sing in their cars where no-one can hear them. They feel they can let loose and sing for joy without judgement. But a quick note of warning: singing when you are actively driving is not advised! 

Questions for You:

Would you consider hosting a party or an outdoor singalong for the joy of group singing? Are there other novel ways that you have brought singing into your life? Have you found that singing has changed and/or improved your life?