Singing boosts children's self-esteem

School singing can make children feel better about themselves and give them a stronger sense of community, according to research published to mark National Sing Up Day.

The Institute of Education’s three-year study, commissioned by Sing Up, involved 9,969 children at 177 schools in England. It concludes that: "A clear inference may be drawn that children with experience of Sing Up are more likely to be advanced in their singing development and to have a positive self-concept."

Howard Goodall, composer, Classic FM presenter and National Singing Ambassador said:
“We've always maintained that singing, alongside its brain-training benefits, can help children to grow in confidence and create stronger communities and now we're able to prove it with hard evidence. We hope that primary schools across the country take the opportunity on National Sing Up Day to give their pupils a boost and spread a little singing."

Howard Goodall received a CBE in the latest New Year's Honours List, for his services to music, and in particular his role as National Singing Ambassador. Hear his reaction to the award and why he believes singing is so important below. Listen now.