Tag: health

  • Musical Professions: Music Therapy

    Music Therapy

    This is the third post in our series, Musical Professions, in which we will be taking a closer look at the myriad of careers available to those with a background in, and a passion for music!
    Many musicians chose to pursue a combination of these musical professions, making them incredibly versatile and well-rounded!

    Music Therapy

    Music Therapy is a fascinating music profession because it is multi-disciplined, requiring training in both music and medicine. Those who have become certified music therapists can work in a variety of settings from hospitals, to clinics, and hospices, with a myriad of different patients, suffering from various conditions.

    Music therapy is considered an allied medical health profession. Those who work in the field of music therapy, use music to aid in the treatment of patients suffering from a variety of conditions. Different therapy regimes are applied for different conditions, and are extremely individualized. Treatments can include group or individual music sessions, improvisational sessions, receptive music listening, textual analysis, songwriting and more.

    Since music therapy is used to treat extremely diverse medical conditions, from acquired brain injuries to victims of abuse, this occupation requires an incredible versatility, patience, compassion and flexibility. Here is a link to university music therapy programs in Canada.

    Have you heard of Music Therapy before? How else might music benefit this occupation?

    Calgary Children's Choir

  • Three Reasons Why You Should Sing Every Day

    Singing-singing-20512636-1120-756

    For many of us, singing is already a big part of our lives; we have choir rehearsals, workshops and concerts. But singing on a daily basis, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time has several impressive benefits:

    #1. Stamina:
    As with any muscle, the more you work out your voice, the better you will sound. The voice needs constant practice to gain better breath support, vocal range, and agility. The more you practice, the longer you can sing, the better your ear will pick up the nuances of difficult repertoire, and the more comfortable you’ll be with your instrument!

    #2. Break Time:
    Singing can be a great way to change up your day, particularly if it has been a long, stressful one! Singing requires a very intense focus, and is a particularly immersive endeavour, so it can be an excellent way to clear your mind, and to relieve any stress you may be experiencing. As well, using singing as a break from the stresses of your life, can ensure better focus when you do need to return to work.

    #3. It’s so good for you:
    There are so many emotional, psychological, and physiological benefits to singing. And the more you sing, the more you can reap the benefits! From increased lung capacity, to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), a recent study has even shown that singing can assist in regulating blood pressure! Singing also released endorphins in your brain, which are the ‘feel good’ hormones!

    Do you sing every day? What do you like most about singing? Tell us in the comments below!

    = Calgary Children's Choir

  • The Five Senses In Singing – Taste

    Welcome to our series, The Five Senses In Singing! For the next five weeks, we will be examining how the five senses – sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste, are all related to singing!

    taste

     

    Taste is a very important sense in singing. As singers, our instrument is an integral part of our bodies, which means that any food we put in our bodies can have a negative or a positive impact on how we sing.
    One of the most important things singers need to consume is liquid; specifically, water. Although coffee, and soda might seem like hydrating fluids, they can contain caffeine, which, as a diuretic, is not helpful in hydrating your voice.
    Sugary drinks like soda, and fruit juices are also not great for singers because they leave a sugary coating on the throat. Milk is definitely something singers should drink, if they can, but not right before a concert, as dairy products can also leave a coating on the throat.

    In terms of food, the best kinds of food to eat are healthy ones! Anything with a high salt content will not be helpful before a performance, because the salt will dry out your throat. Leafy greens, and lean protein are the best things a singer can eat before a concert!

     
    Why else might taste be an important sense in singing? Tell us in the comments below!

    = Calgary Children's Choir