A Voice for Vocal Training: New research reveals the true value of singing in primary schools

Singing at school can be a valuable and fun experience for both primary school children and
their teachers, but not enough is being done to ensure that all children are able to enjoy the
wider benefits of singing as part of their daily education.

A new report from Koor&Stem, the Flemish organisation for vocal music, has gathered over
100 inspiring examples of singing at primary schools and teacher training colleges from all
over Europe to inspire more schools to become ‘singing schools’. These good practice
examples demonstrate the many ways in which singing can be effectively rolled into the
school day.

Carl Van Eyndhoven, Vice Dean for research at the Faculty of the Arts of the KU Leuven in
Belgium, says that “singing is a fundamental part of who we are as humans – how we
communicate, express emotion and learn. And yet, far too many children are being denied
this opportunity.”. He claims the report’s case studies “are hugely important and valuable for
anyone wanting to consider the future evolution of singing in primary education and the
contribution that the choir world can make to this”.

30 of these inspiring international examples have been described in detail in the report,
presenting a wide range of successful approaches and partnerships, such as:
• Innovative training courses for primary school pupils and teachers
• The introduction of new singing methods in schools by singing professionals from the
choir world
• Stimulating choir activities for teachers, student teachers and pupils alike
• Challenging vocal training programmes for schools organized by choirs – both
amateur and professional – arts centres and professional orchestras

These case studies showcase not only valuable and fun activities, but also demonstrate
clearly that singing has enormous added value for pupils, teachers and schools and
consequently, for society in general.

‘A voice for vocal training’ of Koor&Stem is part of the innovative European cooperation
project ‘VOICE - Vision On Innovation for Choral music in Europe’, a project
coordinated by European Choral Association – Europa Cantat (Germany) in cooperation with
partners from 11 European countries. More information and the full report can be found here: www.thevoiceproject.eu.