Music-Based Corporate Team Building Activity in Singapore: A Solune Specialty
- Ze Wen Seah
- Jun 14
- 7 min read
Team building is a big part of corporate success. A connected team just works better, because when people actually feel invested in their team, they’re more likely to support each other and move towards a shared goal. It’s that sense of connection that makes all the difference.
Now, have you ever gone to karaoke with your friends? I'm sure everyone had a blast even if some of you couldn't really sing. It's all about the shared experience of singing together. It’s not about talent; it’s about laughing, vibing, and just enjoying the moment as a group. That’s exactly what makes music-based team building so effective.
Sure, activities like kayaking, laser tag, or escape rooms are great too, but music has something special. It’s one of the few social things humans have done since forever. Even in the age of Netflix and phones, we still gather to sing, play instruments, or just clap along in a drum circle. There’s real science behind how music creates cohesion, and it happens naturally.
In this article, we’ll explore why music is such a powerful team building tool, what a typical session with Solune looks like, and how companies can use it to level up their next retreat, D&D, or corporate bonding day.
Table of Contents
Why Choose Music for Corporate Team Building?
When it comes to bringing people together, few things work as quickly, or as naturally, as music. It’s not just entertainment. There’s real science behind why music helps people feel more connected and engaged.
The Science Behind It
A 2013 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that musical interaction, especially group singing and drumming, triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone associated with trust and social bonding. In group settings, participants who engaged in music together reported stronger feelings of closeness and cooperation, even with people they had just met.
Another study found that when people move or play music in sync, they tend to evaluate each other more positively and experience greater social connection. This is because music activates multiple parts of the brain at once—emotion, language, memory—all of which contribute to empathy and collaboration.
Real-World Benefits: Communication, Creativity, Connection
Most team building activities aim to improve collaboration, but many only scratch the surface. Escape rooms and obstacle courses are fun, but they don’t always translate to better workplace relationships. Music, on the other hand, taps into something deeper.
When people participate in a shared musical experience, they have to listen to each other. They start anticipating, responding, and improvising together. These are skills that are just as valuable in a workplace meeting as they are in a jam session. There’s also the creative aspect: music allows people to step outside their usual roles and express themselves in new ways. It’s low-pressure, and because musical ability isn’t required, everyone’s on equal ground.
Personal Perspective
Personally, I’ve been playing music my whole life, and without exception, all my closest friends are people I’ve made music with. That kind of connection doesn’t happen through small talk; it comes from doing something together that requires listening, timing, and shared focus.
Of course, I’ll admit I’m biased; I’m a musician, after all. But in the music-based team engagement sessions I’ve led, I’ve consistently seen how music helps people open up. Participants who start off cautious, reserved, or even skeptical begin to relax and engage as soon as the music starts. Even the most introverted team members start tapping along or joining in once the energy shifts. And that shift happens reliably. When the facilitator reads the room well and creates a space that feels safe and welcoming, people naturally let their guard down and connect with each other.
You might be wondering if this really works in a Singaporean context, where people are often seen as more reserved. From my experience, it absolutely does. The key is to create an atmosphere that feels familiar and comfortable — something similar to going to a KTV or a live house with your colleagues. Once people feel like they’re in that kind of setting, they loosen up and start having fun. And of course, if appropriate, a couple of cocktails and adult beverages definitely helps.
There’s usually one or two people in every group who are naturally more expressive and already enjoy music. As facilitators, we can tap into that energy to get the rest of the group going. They may not know me, but they know and trust their colleagues, and that peer dynamic is incredibly effective in helping the entire group engage.
Types of Music-Based Team-Building Activities
Music-based team-building isn't a one-size-fits-all thing. Depending on the group’s energy, size, and objectives, there are plenty of different ways to structure the session. Here are a couple of popular formats we've seen work especially well in corporate settings:
1. Music Trivia Game Show
This is a crowd favourite. We split the participants into teams, and they compete in a high-energy trivia showdown. The questions test their knowledge of well-known songs—everything from classic hits to recent pop tracks. But it’s not just about knowing the answer. Teams can earn extra points by coming up to sing part of the song, which adds a hilarious and memorable twist. The competitive element keeps everyone engaged, and the performance aspect brings out a lot of unexpected personalities. There’s usually a small prize (or big, if HR can approve it) at the end, which helps raise the stakes just enough to get everyone involved.
2. Songwriting and Lyric Workshop
This one taps into the team’s creative side. We guide the group through a collaborative songwriting session where they write an original song together. From brainstorming the theme to crafting lyrics and coming up with harmonies, it’s a full creative process that everyone contributes to. A lot of companies end up using the finished song as a theme for their annual D&D, retreats, or internal campaigns. It’s not just fun—it’s something the team can take away and actually use.
Of course, these are just two examples. There’s a wide range of formats we can tailor depending on the group. From rhythm games to team jam sessions, the possibilities are flexible. Our sessions are also always designed to be inclusive, even for those with zero musical experience.
What to Expect: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Music-Based Team Building Session
Music-based team building sessions are often part of larger corporate events. These include annual retreats, D&Ds, conferences, or company offsites. Most sessions happen during the day, usually in the afternoon as part of a team-building segment. For multi-day events, companies often schedule the music session on the second day, when everyone is more relaxed and ready to engage.
We typically arrive with a team of two to four facilitators, depending on the group size. Once the participants are gathered, we start by introducing ourselves and playing a couple of songs. This helps warm up the room and sets a relaxed, fun tone. People are encouraged to sing along, clap, or even dance a little. The goal at this point is to get everyone comfortable and open to participating.
After the warm-up, we explain the activity based on the program the company has selected. If it is something like the trivia game show, we split the participants into teams and guide them through a series of questions, music-based challenges, and bonus rounds where they can sing for extra points. If the session is a songwriting workshop, we guide the group through the process of brainstorming themes, writing lyrics together, and creating an original song as a team.
We also offer optional add-ons. For example, we can provide video coverage of the session and edit a highlight reel the company can use for internal sharing or to remember the event. If the group creates an original song, we offer the option of producing a professionally recorded version of it. This track can later be used as a theme for the company's D&D, retreat, or internal campaigns.
Every session is designed to be inclusive and low-pressure. Musical experience is not required. What matters is that the activity brings people together in a way that feels natural, engaging, and fun.
FAQ: Music-Based Corporate Team Building in Singapore
1. Is this music-based activity suitable for corporate team building in Singapore, even if participants have no musical experience?
Yes, of course. Our sessions are designed to be inclusive and beginner-friendly. Participants do not need any prior musical experience. The focus is on having fun, building trust, and creating shared experiences, not on musical skill.
2. How does this differ from other corporate team building activities in Singapore, like escape rooms or outdoor challenges?
What sets us apart is that our approach is grounded in psychological and scientific research on music and group cohesion. Unlike more physically demanding activities, our sessions are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Music creates a natural space for connection, communication, and creativity.
3. Can we customise the music session to fit the theme of our corporate event or D&D?
Yes. We can tailor the session to match your event’s theme, whether it’s a formal dinner and dance, a casual retreat, or a brand campaign. From song selection to the overall flow, we adapt the experience to fit your goals.
4. How many people can you accommodate in one session?
We can comfortably run sessions for up to 100 participants. If you're expecting a larger group, we can scale up our facilitator team to accommodate accordingly.
5. Do you offer music team building workshops for remote or hybrid teams in Singapore?
Yes, we offer versions of our team building activities specifically adapted for remote and hybrid teams. These are designed to be interactive, engaging, and just as effective in building team spirit across screens.
6. What kind of equipment or setup do we need to provide?
We handle the majority of the equipment needed for the session. You may be asked to provide some basic materials like writing tools, but otherwise, we come prepared to run the session smoothly at your chosen venue.
For remote sessions, a computer and webcam is all you'll need.
7. Can we use the original song or video produced during the session for internal events or branding?
Yes. Many companies choose to use their custom song or event highlight video for internal communications, team celebrations, or as a theme for future events. We provide full rights for internal use.
Conclusion: Why Music-Based Team Building Works
Music has a unique way of bringing people together. It breaks down barriers, sparks creativity, and helps teams connect on a level that typical corporate team building activities in Singapore often struggle to reach. Whether it’s through a trivia-style game, a collaborative songwriting session, or just singing along to a familiar tune, these shared musical experiences build trust, improve communication, and create lasting memories.
Our sessions are designed to be inclusive, flexible, and adaptable to your company’s goals—whether you're planning a full-day retreat, a D&D, or a mid-conference break.
If you're looking for a fresh, meaningful, and genuinely fun way to engage your team, we’d love to help. You can reach out to us via our contact form to start planning your next corporate team building experience.
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