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Matakantata Choir and students at Mahurangi College are participating in a research project about how singing and listening to music can keep the brain healthy.
The choir was approached by a PhD student from Auckland University, Lisa Burton-Harris.
Musical Director Jenny Eirena, who also teaches music at Mahurangi and Rodney Colleges, leapt at the opportunity.
“The benefits of singing have been obvious to me throughout my life,” she says.
“Social, spiritual, physical and cognitive benefits are clear to anyone who is in a choir. To be able to learn more from an expert about the benefits of choral singing to our brain health will be fascinating.”
The study involves measuring the effect of singing and listening to music on brain health using new mobile technology, which can be used at home.
Through this study, it is hoped that health technology developers will have more information to support decisions around how new health technology is made available, and potential barriers to access.
Measuring the impact singing and music has on brain health will support decision making on funding music programmes in schools, businesses and health facilities, as well as spotlight whether singing and music is a useful brain activity to keep brains healthy as people age.
Matakantata founding member Jenni Francis said there was something special that happened in the Matakana Hall on Thursday nights.
“We come together to discover new music and to create beautiful harmonies,” she said. “Singers talk about the positive endorphins they get from our time together. It is hard to have a bad Thursday when you come to choir.”
Study results are expected to be available around March next year.
Matakantata Choir is currently rehearsing for its Christmas Concert and members are learning new musical arrangements, harmonies, rhythms and lyrics.
The choir meets every Thursday in the Matakana Hall and new members are welcome.
