Perceptions of success influencing male participation in choir

Abstract

The aim of this research study was to investigate Australian males' perceptions associated with belonging to a choir. My long-held belief that boys and men in Australia can miss out on an enriching musical experience in choir was a key motivation in this research. In particular the study focused on three main themes "" masculinity, possible selves and success "" seeking to understand the influence of each of these themes on male participation in choirs and forming the basis of the research questions. These themes partly grew from my Honours study on Boys who Sing and partly from my literature search since that time. The first question focused on the effect that notions of masculinity had on participation. The second question sought to understand the role of identity from a theory of possible selves, and the final research question aimed to explore participants' perceptions of success and how these were perceived to affect male participation in choir. The methodological approach was a combination of aspects of phenomenology, case study and narrative inquiry. The research, therefore, sought to understand the way in which males experience choir. To do so it investigated four choirs, each of which represented a different context and stage along an age continuum "" a Junior School boys' choir, a Secondary School mixed choir, a University male choir, and a male Community choir. The choirs came from Sydney and Greater Western Sydney regions. The experiential stories, constructed from interviews, focus groups, surveys, observation and video analysis, were used extensively in the findings to depict the voices of the participants. Data were analysed thematically and coded according to the three main themes and the associated subthemes. Findings demonstrated that male participation in choir is significantly influenced by perceptions of success. Participants' ideas surrounding success were also strongly connected to masculinity and possible selves. Notions of masculinity played a significant role in influencing male participation particularly from the perspective of Australian ideologies of 'maleness'. This was represented by negative stereotypes, which were largely associated with alleged soft and feminine forms of masculinity. The notion of 'maleness', however, incorporated the significance of sport in Australian culture. Part of the attraction of singing was its likeness to sport in terms of the physical experience and nature of singing. This raised implications regarding the power of embodied learning and choir as an embodied experience. Choral singing additionally held power in the opportunities afforded for public display. Men enjoyed friendships with other men and the freedom to interact as men, in a meaningful and socially conducive context. This was expressed in the uniqueness of male communication, humour and mateship. Although the process of vocal change was experienced differently by participants it held significance in its physical challenges for some as well as stereotypical responses to the unbroken voice. It was a time primarily viewed by those within choir as a natural progression to manhood. Considering the role of identity from the perspective of possible selves, it was found that an individual's past, present and future identities interacted powerfully to influence motivation and choices. The embodied learning taking place in choir was also a significant influence in learning motivation. Participants' family background and experience of choir and music at school were influential factors, whether positive or negative. This affected the present experience of choir, particularly an individual's self-confidence and self-perception. At the same time choir provided participants with a forum to consider and prepare for their musical future and so participation in choir had a range of purposes according to individual aspirations for the future. The research showed the importance of public success and the desire to achieve, to perform, to be recognised and rewarded. It highlighted the need for musical success, expressed in terms of the role of the conductor, technical skill, tone quality and working together. Also significant was personal success, described as love of singing, expression, and self-confidence and private impact, incorporating audience response and expressions of spirituality. This research demonstrated the importance of creating a culture of male choral singing in Australia and recognising it as a meaningful male context with far-reaching benefits plus implications for education.

Date of Award	2014
Original language	English