Singing is a form of vocal communication found in every culture. It requires highly complex sensory motor co-ordination, attention, and memory. It also engages the emotional system. Children begin to sing and speak at about the same time. Whereas language acquisition has received a great deal of attention in psychology, relatively less attention has been directed to the acquisition of singing. The development of singing may taper off in childhood, as compared to the continually developing speech and language skills. Yet singing remains significant in the lives of older children and adults, typically from an audience rather than performer perspective. The development of singing skill makes an interesting contrast to the development of language skill. But singing is also interesting from several other psychological dimensions. Singing can be considered from the point of view of learning and what can be taught through singing. Group singing enables individuals to share experiences, and consequently singing may foster cultural cohesion and understanding. It can also bridge generations, and it can have a direct impact on physical and mental health. All of these aspects of singing depend on mental activity. The proposed course explores these different aspects of singing and psychology.
Prerequisites: 101-102, 278-279 or 251; or, 101-102 and enrolment in Music programme.
Department of Psychology
Memorial Hall | tel. 902-566-0563 | fax. 902-628-4359 | email. psychology@upei.ca
