Keys to Music

🎵 Did You Know? Yawning Might Actually Improve Your Singing! 😮🎶

Yawning isn’t just a sign of boredom — research suggests it plays an important role in regulating brain temperature and increasing alertness (Gallup & Gallup, 2007). When we yawn, we take in a deep inhalation, stretch the jaw and facial muscles, and increase oxygen intake — all of which can reset our physiological state.

For singers and musicians, this is fascinating.
Voice teachers often use the concept of the “silent yawn” to encourage:

• A relaxed jaw
• A lifted soft palate
• A lowered larynx
• Expanded breath support

Interestingly, these are the same physiological adjustments that naturally occur during a yawn.
In choral rehearsals, spontaneous yawning can also be contagious — a phenomenon linked to empathy and social bonding (Provine, 2012). Some studies even suggest contagious yawning is connected to mirror neurons and group cohesion. Imagine what that means in ensemble settings!

🔗 Brain cooling & alertness hypothesis – This 2007 study proposes yawning may help regulate brain temperature and mental efficiency. �
👉 https://www.albany.edu/news/pdf_files/Yawning_Report_Gallup_May_2007.pdf�
University at Albany +1

🔗 Physiological overview of yawning – Describes yawning as a reflex with deep inhalation and muscle stretching, and reviews possible functions like arousal, thermoregulation, and social roles. �
👉 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678674/�
PMC

🔗 Yawn-sigh vocal technique info – Practical overview of yawn-sigh exercises that voice teachers use to relax the vocal tract, lift the soft palate, and widen the airway — relevant to singing warm-ups. �
👉 https://theadultspeechtherapyworkbook.com/yawn-sigh-technique/�

So next time someone yawns in rehearsal…
Maybe they’re not bored.
Maybe their body is just resetting — and preparing to sing better. 🎼✨

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2025) — “Singing for memory: neural and cognitive effects of a choral intervention in older adults.”
This study explored how regular choral singing (weekly rehearsals) affects brain function and wellbeing, showing that participating in singing activities may support cognitive resilience and positive mental outcomes, especially in older adults — suggesting broader benefits for mental health and social wellbeing. �
Frontiers
You can find the full open-access article here (great link to post):
➡️ Singing for memory: neural and cognitive effects of a choral intervention (Frontiers, 2025)

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2025.1679873

Recent studies show that little kids who learn music early on get smarter, especially in language and problem-solving skills!

Music saved my life❤️

'Music can change the world because it can change people' 🎶🎧🎵

Various studies have found that listening to familiar music can trigger vivid memories and emotions.

"Music education is not just about creating future musicians; it is about nurturing well-rounded individuals who become creative, empathetic, and critical thinkers."

Singing in a choir often involves controlled breathing, which can contribute to improved respiratory function.

Participation in a choir can lead to improved mood and decreased feelings of loneliness. Choral singing has been associated with increased feelings of social connection and community.

According to a recent music research study, it has been found that listening to classical music while studying can significantly improve concentration and information retention.