Singing and choirs

Cohen, Annabel J.

doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-817422-7.00009-2

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…Generally, studies that compare musicians and non-musicians consider the ability to play a musical instrument as the criterion for membership in the musician category (e.g., Schneider et al, 2019 ). If playing a musical instrument contributes to cognitive reserve and social well-being, one might ask whether training in singing might offer similar benefits ( Cohen, 2019 , 2020a ). In support of this view is research of Bialystok and De Pape (2009) showing heightened cognitive performance in both young adult musical instrumentalists and trained vocalists, as compared to those without any musical training.…”

Section: Singing Lessons As a Pathway To Well-being In Later Lifementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although complementary, the experience of singing in a choral group differs from that of engaging in individual singing lessons. The private voice teacher is dedicated to helping the student reach a musical goal, while focusing the student’s attention on the sound of their own voice and its connection to the bodily mechanisms that control it ( Beynon, 2020 ; Cohen, 2020a ). The relation between teacher and pupil is complex, and in part depends on the match between personalities ( Serra-Dawa, 2014 ).…”

Section: Singing Lessons As a Pathway To Well-being In Later Lifementioning

confidence: 99%

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Singing lessons as a path to well-being in later life

Smith

Kleinerman²,

Cohen

2021

Psychology of Music

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Seventy-two persons, who had begun voice lessons after 40 years of age, were invited to complete an online survey that focused on the singers’ experience, motivation, goals, health and well-being, repertoire, practice, and demographic information; 48 respondents (33 females, mean age 60.81 years, range 48.83–82.08, SD = 6.99) completed the questionnaire. Most participants indicated that enjoyment and personal growth motivated their taking lessons. Over 90% commented on benefits of singing to their physical health (e.g., breathing) and mental health (e.g., mood, less depressive episodes). Despite the solitary aspect of singing lessons, 67% reported positive changes in social relations since taking lessons. Benefits to professional relations were also reported (e.g., confidence, listening to others). Repertoire level was generally high, consistent with a high average university educational level. Cost of lessons and time demands may account for the generally high socioeconomic status of respondents. Given that the singing voice is a musical instrument available to almost everyone, results might motivate older adults to consider taking voice lessons, encourage health care professionals to consider voice lessons as interventions to benefit clients, and persuade governments to subsidize voice lessons for older adults in their jurisdictions. The study provides a foundation for future research on the relative impacts on well-being of vocal lessons versus choral singing in the context of relative investments in the two activities.

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Section: Singing Lessons As a Pathway To Well-being In Later Lifementioning

confidence: 99%