Approaches to singing : 'snapshots' of Australian contexts

This article brings together performers, researchers, practitioners and educators to discuss approaches to and experiences of singing in Australia. The impetus behind this article was a round table discussion, “Why Sing?”, presented by the authors at the 31st International Society of Music Education Conference, Porto Alegre, Brazil, 2014. By linking practice and research in specific contexts, the authors address the reasons as to why some people sing, the roles and purposes of different types of singing, what motivates some to sing, and how to effectively communicate through singing in particular contexts. In the discussion and in relation to particular contexts, expressivity through singing (personal and collective), creativity and singing, healthy singing, and technology and singing are highlighted. The article concludes with implications for vocal pedagogy and for music education more broadly.