Body-mind methods and the singing voice: A literature review

Abstract

This literature review examines the interrelation between bodywork and the singing voice, offering a foundation for future research and for the design of bodywork interventions to improve vocal performance. The inclusion criteria were full-text journal articles or doctoral theses exploring the use of various body-mind methods and interventions designed to optimize vocal quality. The exclusion criteria involved articles exploring the relation posture-voice, interventions based exclusively on breathing exercises, voice pathologies, methods to treat stage fright, speaking voice, or opinion articles on the benefits of body-mind methods in the singing voice without any intervention or research instrument involved. Twelve papers met the inclusion criteria. Results show that body-mind methods appear to have a positive effect on reducing tension and balancing the body, and thus enhancing singing. However, most of the studies do not have significant results. Further research with larger samples and more significant results could be crucial to support bodywork as part of the voice education curriculum at different levels.