'B0005622 Enhanced MRI scan of the head' by Mark Lythgoe & Chloe Hutton / Wellcome Images, licenced under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
We're hugely excited to be working with neuroscientists at University College London (UCL) and Ashridge Business School to investigate the science behind singing. The UCL pilot will be one of the first in an emerging field that explores why social interaction is so important to health and well-being. And the Ashridge research will valuably contribute to our understanding of both resilience and learning. Both have potentially exciting applications in the workplace, education and health.
We're recruiting potential participants now while we nervously await the outcome of our funding bids. So, if you've ever fancied finding out what's really going on inside, now's your chance! We're looking for participants of all backgrounds, and particularly scientists.
UCL RESEARCH
Using fRMI scanners, we'll look at what happens in the brain when you sing, how it differs from speech, and why many people find that singing together creates social bonds.
We're looking for 30 adults who:
consider themselves to be novice singers
haven't had any training, including singing in choirs
don't consider themselves entirely tone deaf!
are aged between 18 and 40 years
aren't claustrophobic – scanners are a fairly tight fit!
are based in or can easily get to central London
On the day, you'll start off by singing with Kamala face-to-face. You'll then get in the scanner, and sing with her (via headphones) while your brain activity is scanned. It'll take about an hour of your time.
ASHRIDGE RESEARCH
Using heart rate variance monitors, we'll look at what happens in the brain when you sing in public, and whether it enhances personal resilience.
We're looking for 30 adults who:
are novice, amateur (e.g. sing in choirs), or semi-pro/professional singers
are aged 18+
are based in or can easily get to central London
On the day, you'll sing together, led by Kamala. You'll then have an opportunity to lead each other in singing, and sing a solo (yep, a solo!). You'll wear a small heart rate variance monitor throughout all the activities. It'll take about a day of your time.
If you're interested in taking part in either study you'll need to have a quick chat with Kamala over the phone so we can check you're happy to go ahead. Do drop her a line if you'd like to find out more, with no obligation to take part!