By Dr. Raymond Zakhari, NP
I was surprised to discover that not every public middle and high school in New York City offers a chorus class that meets five days a week. In a city with some of the world’s best music academies and a large number of music education graduates, it is astonishing that choral education is not an integral part of the curriculum in NYC public schools. By teaching students to sing, we can equip them with valuable life skills and potentially reduce their need for therapy when faced with the inevitable struggles of daily life.
A chorus is more than just a group of individuals singing together – it forms a musically cohesive community. Vocal training teaches singers how to breathe properly, control their breath, improve diction, listen and blend with others, maintain proper posture, and focus their attention. It is as much a physical practice as it is a mental one. Singers also learn to compartmentalize their emotions in order to perform effectively; they can create feelings through their thoughts and actions. Singing in a chorus helps overcome stage fright, teaches how to recover from mistakes, and fosters an appreciation for different types of music. It teaches singers to express themselves constructively, even when faced with disappointment or rejection, without losing their enthusiasm for the larger work.
Being a part of a chorus means being a part of a musically cohesive community. It allows individuals to both express themselves and be part of something bigger than themselves. Through proper vocal training, singers learn essential skills such as proper breathing, breath control, diction, listening, blending, posture, and focus. Singing in a chorus is as much physical as it is cerebral. Singers also learn to compartmentalize, enabling them to perform their work effectively by creating the necessary emotions through their thoughts and actions.
A choral education program can also teach important life skills related to mental health and well-being. Singing in chorus can be a mindful activity, requiring singers to focus on their breath, body, and the music. It can also function similarly to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helping singers challenge negative thoughts about themselves and their abilities. Singing in chorus can provide a form of somatic sensing and reprocessing (SSR), allowing singers to connect with their emotions and release them through music. Additionally, it can act as exposure therapy, helping singers face their fears of public speaking and performance.
Beyond these therapeutic benefits, singing in chorus fosters communication skills, collaboration, resilience, and self-expression. Singers learn to communicate effectively with each other, improving their communication skills in other aspects of life. They also work together as a team, enhancing their collaboration skills. Chorus can help singers develop resilience in the face of challenges, aiding them in coping with difficult times. Furthermore, it serves as a creative outlet for self-expression, boosting self-esteem and self-confidence.
Personally, I am forever grateful for a scheduling mistake in 6th grade that led me to join the chorus. I continued to sign up for chorus every year and eventually auditioned for related groups in high school. I was exposed to a variety of music styles and languages and learned to appreciate choral masterpieces from different periods and cultures. From Handel’s Messiah to folk songs, jazz, opera, Broadway, and hymns, I developed an deep appreciation for the power of music.
Teaching the world to sing in perfect harmony, as the famous Coca Cola commercial suggests, can bring about countless positive outcomes. It is essential to invest in choral education programs in NYC public schools to cultivate resilience and teach vital life skills. By providing students with the opportunity to sing, we can promote mental health, well-being, and a sense of community.