Concerts, Community, and Choirs: The Value of Live Music

I recently had the privilege of seeing one of my favorite musicians in concert. I got to the venue two hours before the doors opened to ensure I was in a good spot to enjoy the show. The massive room filled up in no time and before long I was experiencing a performance I had been waiting years for. However, as much as I was immersed in the moment, I couldn’t stop thinking about how all the people in attendance, with a few exceptions of course, were there for the same thing: to revel in and enjoy someone’s music. That is the most incredible part of any live music. It is hard enough for us to find commonalities and unifying forces in our day to day lives, but when we go to a concert, we find ourselves surrounded by strangers we share at least one thing with. 

One of the most distinct parts of attending a concert is the unavoidable sing-alongs. Perhaps without even thinking about it, when you bought your ticket to see a show, you enlisted in a one-night only choral group. You offered to demonstrate the vocal talent you’ve accumulated from the hours spent singing that one special song you've been dying to see performed live. And when you are finally in the crowd and you hear the song start to play, you, as well as your fellow concert-goers, contribute to the feeling of community that makes live music so unique. 

There is an article written by Jacques Launey, a postdoctoral researcher in experimental psychology at the University of Oxford, that details how singing in a choir can lead to improvements in health and happiness. Launey explains, “Research has found ... people feel more positive after actively singing than they do after passively listening to music or after chatting about positive life events. Improved mood probably in part comes directly from the release of positive neurochemicals such as β-endorphin, dopamine and serotonin. It is also likely to be influenced by changes in our sense of social closeness with others.”

Humans are communal creatures. We rely on each other’s presence almost as much as oxygen. Live music, whether it is experienced in a massive stadium, or just a humble cafe down the street, presents an incredible opportunity for us to celebrate the universal love of art with people we’ve known forever, and with those we will never see again.

Before the summer is over, try and get a group together to go out and enjoy some live music. Leave yourselves open to the potential new relationships, memories, and stories that can result from the powerful combination of art and community. 

Wishing you peace, 

Z3