Music, emotion and asylum: Wellbeing mapped through choral singing

Davidson, Jane;Leske, Benjamin;Krause, Amanda

Abstract

Fostering group singing as a means of improving social connectivity within socially marginalized groups is now a well-established and widely reported practice. Investigating well-being related aspects of how such choirs function internally and in interaction with the broader community, this chapter purposefully expands the scope of the existing discourse on music and well-being. It emphasizes the powerful role of emotion in a choir’s expansion and growth and explores the singing group as a forum—a conceptual, specifically musical, emotional, and physical refuge—within which to build confidence and express voice. Two case study choirs are presented: a chorus of same-sex-attracted and gender-diverse young adults, and a community choir for older people. Interview data highlight the importance of in-group and community-focused experiences and the potential for such choirs to affirm personal and social experiences and provide opportunities for growth.

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The Oxford handbook of community singing

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ISBN/ISSN

9780197612491

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Oxford University Press

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New York, NY, USA

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DOI

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197612460.013.35