After several months, the team was asked to rate how close they felt to their classmates before and after sessions.

After one month, those who did singing classes reported feeling two points closer to their classmates after a session, whereas those who did art or writing classes only reported feeling 0.5 of a point closer to classmates.

After 7 months, though, the ratings of all classes had evened out.

Evolutionary Neuroscientist, Eiluned Pearce, said that the results showed that, although these creative classes caused people to create bonds, singing was the quickest way to get close to people, because it’s a great ice breaker.

Writing in the journal Royal Society Open Science, Pearce says:

“Singing seems to break the ice so you have this big upfront kick start to the process of social bonding.”

Usually, in order to bond with someone, one-on-one time is essential, but according to Pearce, singing bonds entire groups in unison, without the need for individual interactions. This is because synchronised actions and a joint group vision are need in order to successfully sing together. In this way, singing works to bond people faster because the group has one goal, as opposed to with art or writing where the focus is much more independent.

Scientists reveal the ultimate way to bond with people and make new friends