The benefits of choral singing: A study of Italian university choirs (2018–19)

Abstract

Italian university choirs typically welcome students, employees at the university, alumni and even external people. In fact, they constitute a significant example of intergenerational and intercultural group singing in that they enable interaction between people with different backgrounds in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, place of origin, language and class. This makes them a strategic standpoint from which to investigate group singing activities which are aimed at inclusivity, cooperation and music appreciation. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data collected during 2018–19, shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this article investigates the positive benefits of singing for members of university choirs. More precisely, it argues that collective singing promotes the emotional, social and cognitive well-being of choristers. It discusses how these benefits are strongly associated with face-to-face interaction and direct personal participation in the choir, including but not limited to singing during rehearsals and concerts.