Self-esteem and how it relates to singing teaching : an annotated bibliography

Abstract

This research project is comprised of an annotated bibliography on self-esteem and how it relates to singing teaching. It is written as the research requirement of the Graduate Diploma of Music (Pedagogy) in the Canberra School of Music, Institute of the Arts, Australian National University. The aims of this project are: • find and review research on this topic • identify the most relevant literature • analyse the literature on how self-esteem interacts with singing • analyse the literature on the relationship between the technical and nontechnical aspects of singing • suggest future research in this area The research undertaken suggests that there is much evidence to support the premise that a relationship exists between singing and self-esteem. The literature suggests that a singing teaching method which involves maintaining a student’s positive self esteem greatly enhances that student's achievement in both technical and non-technical areas of singing and helps them reach their full musical potential. The annotated bibliography is divided into four sections: singing and singing teaching (adults); singing, music and singing teaching (children); music and psychology; and self-esteem. The project highlights a need for further research in this area and an Appendix contains material that may be useful in this regard. This material was unavailable for inclusion in this project.