The October issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “Remember You: Mental Health in a Life Dedicated to Choral Music” by Stephanie and Troy Robertson. You can read it in its entirety at acda.org/choraljournal. Following is a portion from the introduction.
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For many choral musicians, our profession is our primary identity. Our mental landscape is dominated by it. We, like artists and teachers in other vocations, repeat sayings that implicate the whole of our life, not merely part: “A calling, not a job,” “dark to dark,” “you don’t do it for the money.” When we reflect on our profession, it is with the lofty ambition to touch and change our singers’ lives as well as our own. The litany of activities this entails is well known: classroom teaching, ensembles, extracurricular ensembles, performances at night and on weekends, fundraisers.
For those of us who lead choirs in sacred spaces our work includes some of the most intimate moments in the lives of our choristers: new babies, weddings, sickness, funerals, moving into a new town, moving away from those we love, years and years of music and fellowship, rites and sacraments that cycle with the seasons of the year and the seasons of a life. How does this affect our mental health? In what ways do we face unique challenges, and how do we cope with such demands on our time and energy?
Moving Beyond Problem Admiration
To make meaningful changes, we must clearly identify the problem, but we must also move beyond discussing, defining, and considering the problem. The interventions described in this article are no substitute for clinical treatment. If you are struggling with mental health, the assistance of a counselor may be the best option. Types of therapists and additional resources are outlined at the end of this article. However, there are numerous interventions and applications that may be beneficial to put into practice independently.
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Read the full article in the October 2021 issue of Choral Journal at acda.org/choraljournal
Robert Miller says
This is a fascinating post about the benefits of choral singing for mental health and well-being. Choral music can be a powerful way to express emotions, connect with others, and cope with stress. I also value the resources for finding a choir to join and the links to the research articles. Singing and listening to choral music has always been a pleasure for me. One of the most exquisite and varied genres of music is choral music. There are many genres, styles, and languages of choral music, from ancient to modern, sacred to secular, and simple to complex. Choral music can convey a range of moods and messages, from joy and praise to sorrow and lament, from love and peace to anger and protest.
Some of my favorite choral pieces are:
The Messiah by George Frideric Handel is a masterpiece of oratorio that tells the story of Jesus Christ through biblical texts and stunning music.
Carmina Burana by Carl Orff is a dramatic cantata based on medieval poems that celebrate life, love, and fate.
Requiem by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a sublime and mysterious work left unfinished by the composer’s death.
O Magnum Mysterium by Morten Lauridsen is a serene and luminous motet that reflects on the mystery of the birth of Christ.
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen is a popular song arranged for the choir by many composers and has become an anthem of hope and resilience.
Which choral pieces are some of your favorites? I’m grateful you shared this article and used choral music to make people happy.