Most mammals and many other species of animals vocalise. Making sounds to communicate is common among primates and they can identify individual calls. Our brains have evolved over long periods to distinguish particular pitches and recognise patterns of pitches, or melodies. So, not only do we have the means to make sounds, we can adjust the sounds we make and know when other people are ‘out of tune’. This ability is especially important in conversation with others, when slight changes in pitch and emphasis can have profound meanings. If we have the ability to speak coherently, we also have the ability to sing.

However, the joy of being able to make music with the voice, the most versatile of all instruments, has been denied to many of us. There are at least two reasons. Firstly, the ability to sing has to be developed through childhood, and those who were encouraged to sing in their early years, can perform simple songs in tune when asked by teachers. Whereas those without the opportunity to develop their voices are deemed ‘tone-deaf’ and told to keep quiet when others are singing. This put-down often results in a lifetime of not singing.

The second reason only a few sing, and even those who have developed their voices keep quiet, is because of our obsession with excellence. As, for example, with sport, acting, art and writing, we have come to accept that only the best will do. What is the point of singing if one cannot emulate the divas of the opera. How did they get there? Practice, practice, practice. The celebrity culture prevents too many from the personal satisfaction of singing for ourselves. It’s time to come out of the shower and let rip! Start by singing along to CDs, then join a community choir. Singing brings joy.