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Music achievements of being an English chorister

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 August 2021

Lan Dong  and
Dimitra Kokotsaki
Lan Dong*
Affiliation:
School of Education, Durham University, Durham, UK
Dimitra Kokotsaki
Affiliation:
School of Education, Durham University, Durham, UK
*
Corresponding author. Email: lan.dongdurham@gmail.com
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Abstract

This study aims to highlight the uniqueness of the English choristers’ education, what special musical skills it passes on to youngsters and how these may help them in later life. It investigates the perceptions of 30 ex-choristers who attended a broad selection of English choir schools between 1940 and 2010 using semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that music training of choristers forms a solid foundation to enhance the development of an all-round musicianship. In particular, it gives them significant sight-reading skills due to the huge volume of rehearsals and public performances. Although in most cases their instrumental skills are not sufficient for them to become professional soloists in their instrument, many ex-choristers found it relatively easy to achieve a music scholarship or pursue a music career if they wanted. Many of them retained a passion for music which was not necessarily limited to choral singing. The findings are considered in relation to the possible reasons for this, and the implications for education.

Keywords

Choristermusic educationchoral singingcathedral education
Type
Article
Information
British Journal of Music Education , Volume 38 , Issue 3 , November 2021 , pp. 249 - 263
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2021

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