Scientific Research Project: Music and Wellbeing
“There is growing interest in virtual experiences of cultural activities: whether they can help to reach isolated individuals, how they affect people emotionally and how they compare to real-life experiences. However, to date there is very little research. This study will look at the phenomenon of the virtual choir through a two phase research study for a project delivered in collaboration with Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir (VC).”
Dr. Daisy Fancourt
As part of VC5, singers took part in a research study delivering vital scientific data to University College London to support research into the experience of virtual cultural events – specifically, being part of the Virtual Choir.
The research looked at the following areas in more detail:
- What are people’s motivations for taking part in a VC?
- How does engagement with a VC compare to experiences of real choirs?
- Does taking part in a VC help people to feel more connected to others?
- Does taking part in a VC enhance people’s wellbeing?
The results were published in 2019 and found that singing in a Virtual Choir:
- boosts self-esteem
- reduces feelings of social isolation
- promotes better mental health
Read the full research in Frontiers in Psychology.