How Singing Can Heal: The Emotional and Mental Health Benefits of Vocalizing

Have you ever noticed how singing makes you feel better? Whether it’s belting out a tune in the car, humming absentmindedly while cooking, or joining voices in a choir, singing has a way of lifting our spirits and calming our minds. But did you know that science backs up what we instinctively feel? Singing is not just enjoyable—it’s profoundly healing.

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The Improvisation Effect: A Summary + Why Good Old Fashioned Play is So Important to Our Well Being
by Sandi Melody


Welcome to The Improvisation Effect
Six-Part Blog Series

What does it really mean
to be 
creative?


I believe it means
giving yourself permission to explore, express, and connect—without fear, without perfectionism, and without needing to “get it right.”

This six-part blog series, The Improvisation Effect, was inspired by the work of neuroscientist and jazz musician Dr. Charles Limb, whose research shows that improvisation has profound effects on the brain, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Through the lens of singing and vocal play, we explore how improvisation:

• Silences the inner critic and awakens confidence.

• Builds deeper musical and emotional connection.

• Strengthens creativity as a skill, not a rare gift.

• Brings structure and spontaneity into harmony.

• Serves as a powerful tool for mental and emotional healing.

Whether you’re a lifelong singer or someone rediscovering your voice, this The Improvisation Effect blog series are for anyone who wants to tap into their creative potential, deepen their presence, and sing with more freedom and joy. 


What I mean by "FUN" is our Philosophy
The Science Behind Why We Play at Harmony House

At Harmony House, improvisation isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we practice in every warm-up, in every group, in every song we sing.

Why?

Because we know that:

•  Creativity is not the opposite of technique—it’s the fuel for it.

•  Play opens doors that pressure slams shut.

•  The best singers aren’t just polished—they’re present.


Whether you're part of our:

Independent Voice Program (IVP)
Small Vocal Ensembles (SVE)
HH Community Choirs
GOLD Jazz Choir (Good Ol' Days standards)
or 

Yoga-Sing Seasonal Retreats
Adult Summer Singing Day-camps


You’ll experience firsthand how vocal play:

• Builds vocal agility and emotional expression.

• Creates genuine connection and ensemble trust.

• Makes music-making feel more like joy—and less like judgment.

 

Come Sing With Us!

Your voice was made for this.
For sound. For play. For connection. For healing.

Because at Harmony House, we don’t just teach people to sing.
We help you remember what your voice is truly for.


If this six-part blog series, The Improvisation Effect speaks to you—if you're curious, ready to grow, or just tired of playing small—
we’d love to welcome you into one of our programs!

We sing by heart, by ear, and by feeling.
We celebrate mistakes as stepping stones.
We improvise. We listen. We play.

And we’d love for you to join us!

 



Interested in trying it out for a weekend? 

Register for one of our 2 night Yoga-sing Retreats on Gambier Island (a 20 minute water taxi from Horshoe Bay)

Interested in trying it out for a week? 

Register for one of our 5 day Summer Singing Day-camps for Adults


Contact:

Email: smelody@me.com

Call or Text: 604-376-6979

 

 

 


The Resonance Effect Blog :

Unlocking the power of voice, connection, and transformation

by Sandi Melody