Are you looking for some fun facts about the art of singing? Sometimes it's cool to hear stories you would never have thought were true.
Whether it's pertaining to singing history, the science of singing, or just some crazy random facts, I've got you covered if you're looking to be wowed.
You might be able to use one or two of these facts in your next rehearsal/performance to wow your band members or fans. Leave a comment below if one or more of these facts were already known by you!
Related Post: Read Some Inspirational Quotes For Singers
The oldest known account of “singing” that can be verified is 3rd millennium BC (approximately). The earliest written literature dates from about 2600 BC (classical Sumerian).
The first known recording of a human voice was of the French folk song “Claire de la lune” in 1860 and was recorded by a machine that etched a waveform on paper using soot.
It is not known when or where art music (as distinct from folk music) began.
Still, there is evidence the various Mesopotamian cultures that thrived from 3500 to 500 B.C. already considered music art, and their writings mention both professional musicians and liturgical music.
It is a song, the Sumerian Hymn to Creation, dated before 800 B.C., the oldest notated music.
The first recorded mention of the terms chest voice and head voice was around the 13th century, when it was distinguished from the "throat voice" by Johannes de Garlandia and Jerome of Moravia.
About 2% of the world’s population is tone-deaf. Tone deafness is referred to as amusia, and it is when a person can’t distinguish between notes.
A child’s stress hormone is reduced and replaced with oxytocin (the love hormone) when they hear their mother’s singing voice, whether it's good or bad.
The muscle of your neck, jaw, lips, and tongue all work together when you sing. More than 100 muscles of your body all work collectively when you sing or speak a single phrase.
Men and women have different sizes of vocal folds, reflecting the male-female differences in larynx size. The difference in vocal fold size is what causes a difference in vocal pitch.
A recent study showed that voices used regularly for singing properly without strain didn't deteriorate with age and experienced no decrease in stability of pitch, amplitude, or control with age.
As you sing, your body releases endorphins and oxytocin hormones. The former is responsible for raising your moods and making you happy instantly.
Related Post: 21 Fun Facts About Jazz Music For All Ages
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, singers earn a median wage of $31.40 per hour, as of May 2020.
A study conducted by a University of Sydney professor, titled "Stairway to H*ll: Life and Death in the Pop Music Industry," examined the deaths of artists which took place between 1950 and June 2014.
The study specifically looked at longevity and the proportion of suicides, homicides, and accidental deaths. The results? Musicians' lifespans are 25 years shorter than non-musicians.
The world record for the longest non-stop Elvis singing impersonation is 55 hours.
Studies have shown that whispering might actually damage the larynx more than normal speech. Performers, singers, and public speakers who need vocal rest are also discouraged from whispering to avoid straining their pipes.
When we sing, sound comes out of our mouths at about 75mph.
When we approach higher notes when singing, sound pressure builds up in our heads, often causing people to lose perspective of their pitch.
It's just like when we have headphones on and hear the same music in another room; it sounds “flat” to what we heard in our “pressure” headphones.
Did you know that playing an instrument can improve your brain function?
According to a study conducted by the University of Liverpool, musicians have an increased capacity for executive control, which is the ability to process and use information effectively.
This means that learning to play an instrument can help improve your memory, problem-solving skills, and attention span.
___________________
The longest concert ever played by a single artist lasted for 10 hours and 27 minutes. In 2014, Bulgarian musician Valentina Lisitsa performed a marathon concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
She played a wide variety of classical pieces, including works by Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, and amazed audiences with her stamina and skill. The concert was a true feat of endurance and dedication to the art of music.
Well, that was quite a ride! We've learned some interesting and surprising facts about the art of singing and musicianship.
So there you have it, folks. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just someone who enjoys listening to music, these fun facts about singing and musicianship are sure to impress your friends and family.
Keep on singing, keep on playing, and keep on enjoying the magic of music!
Related Post: Is Singing A Hobby?
As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
If you are in need of singer, songwriter or song producer services, see what Yona Marie can offer you on her services page.
