description
The authors of this report state that there have been numerous evaluations of choral singing as a health promotion activity but these were highly diverse theoretically, methodologically, and in terms of size. For this study researchers drew on participants in English choirs, asking over 6OO singers to complete a standard questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire) to measure “physical, psychological, social and environmental wellbeing, and a twelve-item ‘wellbeing and choral singing scale’ “. They also were asked to respond to open questions about the effects of choral singing on their lives. The report details findings, including a “high degree of consensus on the positive benefits of choral singing” with “women endorsing the wellbeing effects of singing more strongly than men.” The open questions revealed “generative mechanisms” through which singing can influence wellbeing and health.” Dr. Stephen Clift, lead researcher, is well known for his work in the field of culture and aging, particularly the impact of music on older adults.
contributor
Stephen Clift
related organization
Canterbury Christ Church University
resource type
Articles and Blog Postsyear
2010keywords
choir singing, musical participation, older adults, quality of life