![]() ![]() Musicians often discuss “feeling lost in the music” or “finding the groove” during improvisatory experiences (e.g., “trading fours” in a jazz performance) and audience members frequently share this sense of cohesion through a commitment to the music ( Pitts, 2004 Hytönen-Ng, 2013). ![]() People often report a feeling of connectedness during music experiences, either as a listener or a performer. Further research with a larger sample size is warranted. Higher levels of plasma oxytocin in the improvised condition may perhaps be attributed to the social effects of improvising musically with others. The effects of pre-composed and improvised group singing on oxytocin are less clear. The results indicate that group singing reduces stress and arousal, as measured by ACTH, and induces social flow in participants. Mean plasma oxytocin levels increased only in response to improvised singing, with no significant difference between improvised and pre-composed singing conditions observed. ACTH concentrations decreased in both conditions, significantly so in the pre-composed singing condition, which may have contributed to the social flow experience. Mean scores of the flow state scale indicated that participants experienced flow in both the pre-composed ( M = 37.06) and improvised singing conditions ( M = 34.25), with no significant difference between conditions. The feasibility of the research methods were assessed and initial neurochemical data was generated on group singing. A validated assessment of flow state was administered after each singing condition to assess participants' absorption in the task. Concentrations of plasma oxytocin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured before and after each singing condition to assess levels of social affiliation, engagement and arousal. Four participants from a vocal jazz ensemble were conveniently sampled to sing together in two separate performances: pre-composed and improvised. Here we explore the neurochemistry and social flow of group singing. As clinical applications of music continue to expand, there is a growing need to understand the biological mechanisms by which music influences health. Music is used in healthcare to promote physical and psychological well-being. ![]() 2Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.1Brain Research and Interdisciplinary Neurosciences Laboratory, School of Music, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA. ![]()
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