I think we are agreeing. WInd instruments are probably more similar than different.

I don't object to the word "calming" but I think people get the impression from my talk that the singing HAS TO BE soothing, slow, and sleepy like a lullaby to have the described effects. That's because I tend to use that kind of ballad for my examples and I mention that the slower cadence is a prosodic feature.

I think it is also possible for the vagus to be activated and experience a positive affect that people might not call "calm". I'd guess an exhilarating chorus or hearty round of drinking songs would stimulate the vagus as much or more so, and you wouldn't feel "calm" while singing. But after it's done the effect that persists could be described as calming. I think Shape Note singing (Sacred Harp) is a particularly interesting case in point. I haven't sung it myself, but from what I have seen and heard, I would guess it is highly vagally stimulating. Hoping to get some volunteers to help me test that!

Stimulating the vagus could also be described as relieving stress or tension, or lifting mood (particularly from flatness or heaviness associated with depression or isolation). So "calming" and "soothing" are good words, but maybe not broad enough to capture all of it.

Pamela