Community Singing is Nourishing!

Teaching each other songs and singing together, without much instrumentation, is old technology that we all carry in our bones. This style is referred to as "Community Singing" and it's experiencing a revival in recent decades in the US and elsewhere, thanks to the work of Ysaye Barnwell, Melanie DeMore, Karisha Longaker, Sarah Nutting, Liz Rog, and many others. These are all available in Zoom and also sometimes in person.

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Recent On-Demand Song Circles

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Benefits of Community Singing

Singing together one of the essential ingredients of a beloved community, and we've woven community singing into the fabric of Stellar Village, through hybrid song circles (song carriers leading songs in-person and members singing along in Zoom) and some that are Zoom only.

click on the boxes below to discover some of the benefits of singing in community.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Singing, especially in a group, has been shown to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone). It promotes relaxation and helps participants feel calmer and more grounded.
  • Improves Mood: Singing releases endorphins and oxytocin, which are associated with happiness, bonding, and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
  • Boosts Self-Esteem: Singing in a group can create a sense of accomplishment and pride. It's also a way to overcome self-doubt, as everyone is contributing to a shared experience.
  • Sense of Belonging: Community singing fosters a sense of connection with others, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. It builds a supportive environment where people feel accepted.

Physical Health Benefits

  • Improved Breathing and Posture: Singing engages the diaphragm and helps improve lung capacity, posture, and breathing techniques. It can be especially beneficial for people with respiratory issues.
  • Heart Health: The deep breathing involved in singing can lower heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. It also helps lower blood pressure.
  • Increased Energy Levels: As a physical activity, singing can increase overall energy levels and provide a natural energy boost due to the release of dopamine.
  • Pain Reduction: Singing may release endorphins that act as natural pain relievers.


Cognitive Benefits

  • Improves Memory and Focus: Learning songs, especially those with lyrics, stimulates the brain, improving memory, attention, and cognitive function.
  • Boosts Brain Function: Singing activates both the left and right hemispheres of the brain, improving communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
  • Enhances Language Skills: Singing involves listening, vocalization, and rhythm, which can support language development, especially for children and older adults.

Social and Community Benefits

  • Builds Stronger Communities: Singing in a group creates a shared experience that can strengthen community bonds. It encourages social interaction, teamwork, and mutual support.
  • Increases Cultural Awareness: Many community singing groups sing a variety of genres, often including songs from different cultures. When we do this, it's important to name the history of the song and provide reciprocity, when appropriate.
  • Promotes Inclusivity: Singing is an activity that is accessible to people of all skill levels, backgrounds, and ages. It helps break down social barriers and fosters a sense of equality and inclusivity.


Creativity and Expression

  • Emotional Expression: Singing allows people to express emotions they might otherwise have difficulty articulating. It can be a cathartic outlet for personal feelings and experiences.
  • Encourages Creativity: Singing in a group allows people to engage with music and lyrics in creative ways. Group improvisation or harmonization can tap into one's creative potential.
  • Fosters Joy and Fun: Singing, especially in a community setting, is often a joyful and fun activity. It creates positive experiences and a sense of celebration.
  • Because of how we do singing in Zoom, there's no need to worry about how others perceive your singing.


Spiritual and Personal Growth

  • Fosters Connection to a Higher Power: Many people experience singing as a deeply spiritual practice. It can be a way of connecting to a sense of higher purpose or community spirit, something larger than us as individuals.
  • Builds Resilience: Overcoming challenges in group singing, such as learning complex harmonies or overcoming shame, can build personal resilience and self-confidence.

Group Dynamics and Collaboration

  • Improves Cooperation: Singing in harmony requires listening and cooperation, which helps improve collaboration skills and helps us weave systems of care. It fosters teamwork and mutual respect among participants.
  • Leadership and Teamwork: Singing in a group can develop both leadership skills (if you're leading the group or a section) and the ability to work well together toward a shared vision.

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