Group SInging in the Oral Tradition as Source of Spiritual Opening: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Group singing for many individuals is a compelling activity accompanied often by physical, emotional, social, intellectual and/or spiritual benefits. However, most studies demonstrating these benefits are based on singing groups that employ all, or a combination of, written lyrics, musical notation, ‘set’ parts, and performance. Another study shows that some people don’t like singing, or sing only alone, owing to self-consciousness, self-judgment and/or perceived judgment by others. Because of such findings, and based on my own experience with group singing, I founded and facilitate No Wrong Notes (NWN). No Wrong Notes is non-auditioned, non-performing group singing for people of all levels of experience. Singing is a cappella. Songs are secular – chosen for meaning, sound and ease of learning. All songs are shared orally, with no use of written words or music. Emphasis is on enjoyment and freeing the voice in a supportive, nonjudgmental atmosphere. In 2007, I began a workplace NWN group for women. Numerous participants have expressed perceived benefits from singing with the group. This paper is an interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experience of one participant, Evelyn MacKenzie (name changed), from the perspective of her spiritual self.