Understanding Social-Cultural Influences Affecting Nonparticipation in Singing

• In Event: Roundtable Session 73
  In Roundtable Session: Music Education Roundtable 1

Abstract

Singing is usually an enjoyable activity but not to those who have labeled themselves as non-singers. Using narrative inquiry, this study examines the phenomenon of the adult non-singer in Canadian society through the lens of sociology, music, and education. Twelve people participated, including men and women of different ethnic background and age. It was discovered that singing was influenced by such ecologies as cultural perception, economic situation, familial attitude, historical context, and educational circumstance. In all cases, these influences had a negative impact on their individual perception of self as singer. Discussion arising centered on the immense influence of cultural attitudes, the need for assessment of instructional methods, and the multi-faceted issues surrounding the phenomenon of the non- singer.

Author

• Colleen Marie Whidden, University of Calgary