Being part of a choir has a powerful and multifaceted impact on individuals, as shown in The Chorus Impact Study: Singing for a Lifetime (Grunwald Associates LLC & Chorus America, 2019). Participation in choral singing is far more than a hobby—it enhances emotional, social, civic, and even physical well-being across a person’s lifetime.
One of the most compelling findings is that adults who sing in choruses report significant personal benefits, especially a strong sense of connection and reduced loneliness. Nearly 73% of choral singers say that singing helps them feel less alone, and they report stronger social skills and deeper relationships than the general population. They’re also more optimistic and resilient, with 80% expecting good things in life, compared to just 55% of the general public.
Choral singers also tend to be more engaged citizens and community members. The study found that they are more likely to vote, volunteer, and take on leadership roles. For example, 90% of choral singers say they vote regularly in elections versus only 55% of the general public. They also contribute more financially to causes and participate in a wider variety of volunteer activities.
From a health perspective, especially for older adults, the benefits are striking. Older choristers (65+) are significantly more likely to report better overall health and quality of life than their non-singing peers. One in five report that singing helps relieve chronic health conditions, and many say it helps keep their mind sharp and memory strong.
Moreover, the longer and more frequently individuals participate, the more benefits they report. Those involved in multiple ensembles or with decades of experience cite greater gains in social connection, well-being, and mental resilience. As the study puts it: “Singing is good, and more singing is better” (Grunwald Associates LLC & Chorus America, 2019, p. 1).
Serra Húnter Fellow of Sociology at Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
Former DAAD-Gastprofessorin at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg