Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

npr.org

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

31–40 of 54 posts

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#31

Post by animuchan »

tastysandwich wrote: post #2

I have a habit of singing publicly. I did not realise this was socially abnormal until I was about 21. I suppose it helps that I have a pretty decent singing voice (baritone), but I'm also quite loud and my voice really projects (so I'm told). I can't stop though. I made a compromise - I won't sing in public places (eg train, walking through the city), as people will think I'm mad. But I will whistle. And I'll sing a…

People singing in the office are my single worst nightmare, as I instantly lose the ability to concentrate on anything meaningful.

Thank God for shy people.

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#32

Post by animuchan »

worldshit wrote: post #26

Singing might be good for yourself, but is very nasty for those who live around you and don't want to listen... Please make sure to sing/play instruments from within an insulated location!

A thousand times this. Especially around people who are trying to work / concentrate.

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#33

Post by throwaway290 »

worldshit wrote: post #26

Singing might be good for yourself, but is very nasty for those who live around you and don't want to listen... Please make sure to sing/play instruments from within an insulated location!

Or control how loud, when and for how long you sing. Some people have trouble sleeping/working with noise and/or have different schedules than you.

For me it's always a godsend to find a quiet place, if the source of noise (no matter how objectively beautiful) is not under my control I can get sleep deprived within days. Yes I have earplugs and noise isolation cans but they cause ear issues long term.

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#34

Post by felipereigosa »

I once read that singing might have evolved before language proper to enhance group cohesion. If so maybe there's a deep instinctive pull towards it. There might be something to this idea, I'm an atheist but when I saw that titanic scene where they are all singing together in the chapel I felt ... something. Maybe I should find a secular way to sing in a group like the a cappella in the article.

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#35

Post by pietschy »

_ptf7 wrote: post #20
laurieg wrote: post #4

To those thinking "I want to sing but I just can't sing." I encourage you to get one on one lessons with a professional. I started out not being able to sing at all. Couldn't match the pitch, I just sounded like I was trying to "talk in tune". My voice would get very tired very quickly too. It took a long time, but the change is huge. I can sing in tune now. I can sing much higher. It sounds pleasant. My voice doesn'…

I have been wanting to work with a professional. Any advice on how to find one ?

My wife is a singing teacher and has been trained by these guys for a long time. The education and training has been a very high standard. As always your millage will vary depending on the teacher you choose and their level of experience.

https://www.vocaladvancement.com/en-us/find-a-teacher

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#36

Post by deepGem »

tastysandwich wrote: post #2

I have a habit of singing publicly. I did not realise this was socially abnormal until I was about 21. I suppose it helps that I have a pretty decent singing voice (baritone), but I'm also quite loud and my voice really projects (so I'm told). I can't stop though. I made a compromise - I won't sing in public places (eg train, walking through the city), as people will think I'm mad. But I will whistle. And I'll sing a…

I keep singing all the time. In office, while walking, while driving and especially on long flights, in a very low tone. It is super relaxing. Am not sure about all the benefits but a couple of our friends get together for drinking and we sing a LOT. This is not some random singing, my friend is a trained classical singer so it is a lot of effort to sing with her but I love the experience.

On a lighter note

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HG2w0_WyOU

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#37

Post by pnut »

hackernewds wrote: post #27
worldshit wrote: post #26

Singing might be good for yourself, but is very nasty for those who live around you and don't want to listen... Please make sure to sing/play instruments from within an insulated location!

oof what a pouty comment

Disagree, I believe noise pollution is the next irresponsible externality on the chopping block, after smoking/vaping.

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#38

Post by vintermann »

_tik_ wrote: post #15
wussboy wrote: post #5

Church choir communities are fun, supportive, flexible (you can walk into any church choir and belong), exciting (yes, I would like to go on a cathedral tour this summer!), and long lasting (sing into your 80s why not?). I heartily recommend them. They are demanding, however. Think twice if you both sing and have small children. But they sure keep the mind sharp. Pro-tip: if you’re an atheist, join an Anglican or Epi…

I am looking for a choir group to join. I did not see young or middle age members in all the choir groups I visited.

I'm the youngest in the choir I currently sing in (a men's choir with mostly priests and farmers), and I was in the other choir I used to sing in too (a mixed choir with mostly doctors and nurses). Somebody has to be.

There's a lot of youth and children's choirs too, so it's not as if it's dying out. It's just that people in the middle tend to have less time (the doctor choir was fairly middle aged, but you know how doctors are...)

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#39

Post by emptyfile »

tastysandwich wrote: post #2

I have a habit of singing publicly. I did not realise this was socially abnormal until I was about 21. I suppose it helps that I have a pretty decent singing voice (baritone), but I'm also quite loud and my voice really projects (so I'm told). I can't stop though. I made a compromise - I won't sing in public places (eg train, walking through the city), as people will think I'm mad. But I will whistle. And I'll sing a…

Singing in the office seems like the most obnoxious thing ever. Can't believe anyone would tolerate that.

Re: Singing: The key to a long life (2008)

#40

Post by wodenokoto »

iakov wrote: post #28
worldshit wrote: post #26

Singing might be good for yourself, but is very nasty for those who live around you and don't want to listen... Please make sure to sing/play instruments from within an insulated location!

I am sorry people don’t like it. However it is my home and I will do whatever I please in it - while staying in the boundaries of common sense and local laws regarding quiet times. Don’t like it? Deal with it.

So how do you suggest you deal with a loud neighbour? Apparently, pleading to them politely is not something you consider a valid option.
Post reply on HN