A previous blog – Music is in our genes, explained that the human voice, and singing in particular, evolved from the primate ability to vocalise. Primates such as the chimpanzee and gibbons make noises to keep in touch with others and to convey warning messages to the group: Watch out there is a snake below! An eagle is overhead! Lots of fruit to eat here! Through evolution we have retained and refined the primate vocal apparatus so that speech and singing have become important in creating and maintaining our social bonds, and communication through language underpins civilisation.

It is impossible to know precisely when languages first started and to a large extent why and how they have changed since. It seems that as the ability to speak evolved, different languages developed in isolation as humans spread across the earth, and possibly deliberately in order to enforce group identity. But when and why did singing develop? Music seems to have a very deep association with the human brain. People almost immobile with severe dementia often respond remarkably to music, becoming active and even dancing. Songs remembered from their youth are especially stimulating.

The act of singing is a unique human ability and it involves several physiological mechanisms. The brain controls the position of the vocal cords in the larynx and air is forced upwards from the lungs so that a particular sound or pitch is made. A sound is heard in the ears and this in turn is analysed by the brain and changes made in the vocal cords when the pitch has to be changed. This feedback loop is present in all of us but, all too frequently, is neglected or unrefined. Obviously, there are other mechanisms involved in controlling loudness, resonance, etc. However, interestingly, even those who claim not to be able to sing, regularly and subtly modulate their voices in conversation.

The unique human ability to sing brings other benefits. Singing, and to a lesser extent music in general, leads to the release of endorphins in the brain and, together with the improved oxygenation resulting from the increase in the depth and rate of breathing, makes us feel good. Singing is a powerful way to tackle depression.