Content area
Abstract
Mindfulness and mindfulness-based practices improve productivity in general education and vocal settings and have the potential to revolutionize choral music education. The purpose of this research is to improve vocal music education, vocal pedagogy, and voice practice, through the study of mindfulness-based practices and their relevance in vocal practices. The essential question answered as part of this research is, how do mindfulness and mindfulness-based practices increase productivity in the choral classroom? Sub questions addressed in this research include: 1) What is mindfulness meditation?, 2) How is mindfulness already utilized in vocal settings?, and 3) How can mindfulness best be included in the curriculum for the choral classroom? Mindfulness is an ancient practice that has been passed down, modified, and expanded upon for generations to improve physical and mental health, and as is learned in this research, vocal health. In vocal settings mindfulness is used to encourage awareness of the vocal mechanism, promote relaxation, and reduce stage fright. Mindfulness can be adapted to meet the needs of each individual choral classroom using methods such as the Alexander Technique, General Secular Mindfulness, and Yoga. Mindfulness improves productivity in the choral classroom by addressing common problems associate with student singing, improving focus and behavior management, and increasing awareness within the student.