I studied for my MMus at the University of Hull in 2019-2020. While the pandemic halted most activities, including the performance aspects of my studies, it presented a unique opportunity for research into what had become one of the riskiest activities one could do: group singing.
This dissertation explored the effects of group singing on children and young people, aiming to validate existing findings, prompt further research, and advocate for broader access to singing opportunities. The COVID-19 lockdown allowed the study to also investigate and highlight the wellbeing impact of the sudden cessation of group singing activities – Joni Mitchell couldn’t have been more right when she sang “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone” .
Combining a literature review with an explanatory mixed methods approach, the research gathered data via an online survey (targeting young singers, parents, teachers, and choir leaders) and followed up with semi-structured video interviews. The findings highlighted significant positive outcomes related to both hedonic wellbeing (e.g., happiness, enjoyment) and eudemonic wellbeing (e.g., purpose, pride, and social fulfilment). A strong preference for in-person group singing emerged, particularly for its social and harmonic dimensions, although online choir alternatives did offer some benefits during lockdown.
The research underscored singing’s unique accessibility and its potential as a powerful tool for youth development and mental health support. While limitations included a modest sample size and the absence of a validated questionnaire, the study proposed future directions involving more integrated investigations of singing’s physiological and psychological impacts.
Rather than remaining in the depths of my ‘University’ folder, never to be seen again, this dissertation later formed the backbone of a successful project proposal that secured funding, and it played a key role in helping me land my current job.
