Choral singing as health musicking. A discussion on music, education and health

Abstract

ABSTRACT. - In this article, the relationship between music, education and health related to choral singing is discussed. The discussion actualizes both the borders between and the common ground shared by different music professionals such as music therapists, community musicians, music educators, and musicians. How can the fields of Music, Health and Education be combined in a relevant manner in relation to content, as well as theoretically, practically and methodologically? The discussion is exemplified by three studies of different choir practices; a local community choir, a multicultural gospel choir, and various chamber choirs. The studies were based on qualitative methods such as observation and in-depth interviews. The author’s own experiences as a trained choral conductor are also used actively as a basis for further reflection. The material in question is illuminated by the notion of health musicking, and the discussion leads to reflections on the implications that health-related issues have for music education practices in general and, more specifically, in the training of choral conductors. The article demonstrates how music education research may interact with and contribute to music education practice. Keywords: Choral singing, Health Musicking, Music Education.