choral The Science of Choral Singing – Why
Rehearsal is a Full-Brain Workout Joy Paffenroth, WMEA State Chair, Choral
There are many sci- entific studies that have come out over the years regard- ing the cognitive and health benefits of music. A simple Google search will show a multitude of data points and
findings. Those are all very valid and valu- able resources as we continue to navigate budgets, administrators, recruitment and retention. They are important and neces- sary. It’s also very easy to get caught up in those data points and findings. It’s im- perative that we remember we are dealing with living, breathing humans in front of us, and it’s our job to give them the best experience possible.
In the daily grind of misplaced supplies and the struggle to disconnect teenagers from their devices, it is incredibly easy to feel like a mere manager of chaos. Yet, the data continues to support what choir teachers have observed firsthand for decades: the rehearsal space functions as a high-impact center for both cognitive development and personal wellness.
As educators and leaders, our work goes beyond basic musical instruction; we are facilitating a complex biological and social process. In our classroom, we engage stu- dents in a comprehensive mental workout that fosters community, hones executive skills and provides a necessary release from anxiety. The true value lies in taking these scientific findings and weaving them into our daily rehearsals.
Students often enter our rooms carrying the weight of academic pressure and social friction. Singing serves as a vital physical outlet for this accumulated tension. By en- gaging in group singing, we help regulate
the nervous system, utilizing deep breath work to decrease cortisol and find a sense of collective calm. Integrating this into our daily routine doesn’t require an immediate jump into complex exercises. Begin with focused breath work, asking the ensemble to inhale deeply for four counts and re- lease on a quiet “shh” or hum for eight. And then, discuss that this breath work helps them move out of a stressed state. Then, they’ll understand they’re preparing themselves for better learning. (And they may even start to use it in other stressful situations outside of the classroom.)
Neurobiologically speaking, navigating choral repertoire is an excellent exercise for executive function. A singer must man- age text, pitch and conducting cues while adjusting their sound to fit the collective whole. Even simply reading and decoding a choral score triggers these functions in the brain. This process demands significant working memory and mental agility. To strengthen these connections, try moving beyond passive reading. Challenge your students to perform a known section with their eyes closed. Removing visual cues forces the brain to rely on internal pitch mapping and heightened listening, making them more deliberate and active musical thinkers.
This type of engagement creates lasting memory. Because music activates vari- ous regions of the brain – including those responsible for motor skills and emotion – it is far more resilient than spoken word alone. This is precisely why we use song to teach foundational concepts like the alpha- bet; the layered neural pathways ensure the information sticks. You can apply this to your choral rehearsal by utilizing rhythmic speech, or Sprechstimme, when tackling difficult text or rhythms. By establish- ing the physical memory of the language first, you reduce the cognitive load before
adding pitch. This layered approach helps students internalize the music with greater efficiency.
Beyond the mental benefits, choir provides a much-needed remedy for social isolation. Singing in an ensemble triggers a release of endorphins and bonding hormones, creat- ing a shared sense of purpose and belong- ing. It offers a low-pressure environment where students can connect through the collaborative success of a perfectly tuned chord, or navigating a tricky rhythmic passage. To enhance this social bond, consider mixing up your seating arrange- ment to get singers out of their established comfort zones. Spending a few minutes in a scrambled formation requires them to listen in new ways and reinforces the idea that they are all contributing to one unified sound, fostering a deeper sense of classroom unity.
As choral educators, it seems we have to constantly navigate conversations regard- ing funding and scheduling. It’s important to remember that the research strongly supports our mission. We aren’t simply providing an elective; we are leading a fun- damental component of student well-being. Share these insights with your community – whether on a program or in a meeting – to remind everyone that every rehearsal is an opportunity for students to become healthier and more connected individuals.
And join us for the Wisconsin State Mu- sic Conference in Madison this October! You’ll find innovative ways to incorpo- rate activities in your rehearsals that will enhance the cognitive and health benefits already present by singing in a choir!
Joy Paffenroth is the choir director at Kaukauna High School.
Email:
paffenrothj@kaukaunasd.org
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September 2026
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