Design-based research as an informal learning model for choral conductors

Naomi Cooper

doi:10.18546/lre.15.3.03

Abstract

The number of community choirs continues to grow, and literature endorsing the benefits of choral singing for physical, mental and emotional health and well-being is rapidly expanding, meaning that the professional development of community choral conductors is in the public interest. However, research on choral conductor education remains limited. Theoretical perspectives on choral conductor training presented by Varvarigou and Durrant (2011) have provided a useful framework for conceptualizing a formal training model. As opportunities to study using such a model are not widely available in Australia and other locations, it is pertinent to consider alternative methods for community choral conductors to learn the craft and develop their skills. A design-based research model has been proposed as a possible format for learning choral conducting and the case study of the author's own practice reported here reveals its effectiveness. The design-based research structure, incorporating observation and interview with ten professional choral conductors, as well as cycles of design, intervention and evaluation is proposed as a possible informal learning approach for other choral conductors.

Highlights

There are many community choirs across Australia and as the number of choirs grows, so too does the wealth of literature endorsing the benefits of choral singing for physical, mental and emotional health and well-being (Bailey and Davidson, 2005; Beck et al, 2000; Bungay et al, 2010; Clift and Hancox, 2010; Gridley, 2010; Kreutz et al, 2004; Unwin et al, 2002)
A doctoral research study explored the viability of an informal learning approach for choral conducting
These cycles formed the response to the second research question, ‘How can a novice choral conductor put these approaches and strategies into practice with community choirs?’ Figure 1 depicts how the design-based research process was applied to my choral conducting practice

Summary

Introduction

There are many community choirs across Australia and as the number of choirs grows, so too does the wealth of literature endorsing the benefits of choral singing for physical, mental and emotional health and well-being (Bailey and Davidson, 2005; Beck et al, 2000; Bungay et al, 2010; Clift and Hancox, 2010; Gridley, 2010; Kreutz et al, 2004; Unwin et al, 2002). The professional development of community choral conductors is in the public interest. A doctoral research study explored the viability of an informal learning approach for choral conducting. A design-based research methodology combined input from experienced choral conductors (through observation and professional conversations) with a cyclical process of trialling interventions in my own practice in order to develop skills in choral conducting.

Methods

Results

Conclusion