And so it proves for members of the "Brain Sing" group, who meet weekly on Tuesday mornings to sing for fun, led by tutor and accompanist Irene Mosley.
Operating under the umbrella of Brain Injury Otago, the singing group is open to anyone with a neurocognitive condition and their carers/supporters, and at present has about a dozen members.
Established 10 years ago by an inter-agency group including brain health researchers and neurological support organisations, the Brain Sing group sing a wide rang of popular and fun songs, members often suggesting favourites.
Whatever the causes of members’ brain injuries, either through medical issues such strokes, infections or tumours or trauma from accidents, singing together can be very helpful.
Members agree on the many benefits of taking part in the singing sessions, such as improvement in speech and breath control, the sheer joy of singing providing a boost to mood and the social interaction of being part of a friendly, supportive group.
As Lily the Pink would have it, this is a "medicinal compound" that really is "most efficacious in every way".
"It’s good medicine," singer Keri Teave said.
"It is more than just a singing group, there is a really nice feeling here."
Singer Bev Livingstone said: "We don’t take ourselves too seriously — it’s a very social group, which is lovely."
Ms Mosely took over the group from long-standing conductor Clare Adams more than a year ago and gets great satisfaction from leading the singing.
"It is quite noticeable how people’s singing improves over time, and also their speech and confidence," she said.
"It is such a supportive group, everyone loves to sing, and we have all become friends.
"Singing together is great for your mood, as well as having many health benefits — so it’s a win-win situation."
Leading the group was a joy, and she was very grateful to funders, including local Rotary clubs and Auckland-based music charity Music Helps for their support.
The Brain Sing group was a welcoming group that had plenty of capacity for more singers with neurocognitive conditions, Ms Mosley said.
"So, why not come along and give it a go? It might be just the thing for you."
The Brain Sing group meets on Tuesday mornings, 10.30am-11.30am at Caversham Baptist Church.
For more information, phone/text Irene Mosley on 027 277-5631, or contact the Brain Injury Otago office by phoning (03) 471-6156, 027 303-7727 or by email at manager.dunedin@brain-injury.org.nz
