Losing Life's Sparkle: Experiences of Canadian Choral Musicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mary Jo A Lozano, Stephanie L Churcher, Madison J Kirchner and 1 others
PMID 36683408WHAT IT FOUND
Choral musicians reported that pandemic restrictions turned music-making into a source of fear and isolation.
Masks and distancing blocked the social connection and audience feedback they rely on for mental health and identity, making rehearsals feel unsatisfying and disconnected.
Key findings
01Participants described increased anxiety and fear about singing due to public health warnings about aerosol spread, which shifted their focus from music to safety compliance.
02Masks and physical distancing prevented musicians from seeing facial expressions and hearing ensemble blend, leading to feelings of isolation and a loss of the social connection that defines choir.
03Despite the dissatisfaction, participants persisted in adapted forms of music-making because it served as a crucial coping strategy for their own mental health and a way to support their communities.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample was small (11 participants) and recruited through networks that were predominantly white and likely had the privilege of time and resources to participate, so findings may not reflect the experience of marginalized musicians. Data were collected virtually, requiring participants to have technological literacy and internet access. Participants were from across Canada, where public health restrictions varied significantly, so the specific environmental context was not uniform. The study focused on a specific point in time (18-22 months into the pandemic), so it does not capture the full trajectory of adaptation or recovery.
Declared interests
The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, or publication of this article.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume these findings apply to all musicians or all stages of the pandemic. The participants were high-level, Canadian choral musicians interviewed 18-22 months into the crisis, and the sample lacked diversity in race and likely socioeconomic status. Their experience of isolation and adaptation may not reflect the reality of amateur singers, musicians in other genres, or those facing different public health restrictions.