The aim of this project was to enable choirs to rehearse online by consolidating the experience gained and developing solutions and approaches to meet the needs described. In particular, the project focused on the following objectives 1) Identify the state of the art in online choral rehearsal from a technological, choral pedagogical, and socio-technical perspective. 2) Design technological solutions, pedagogical principles, and measures to promote technological acceptance and social interaction. 3) Application and evaluation of the designed technological solutions and principles for conducting online choir rehearsals. 4) Communication and dissemination of project results. The results of the project can help to harness the potential of online group singing when in-person rehearsals are not feasible (e.g. during pandemics, flu seasons, or individual limitations), thereby increasing access to music-making and improving digital inclusion and cultural participation.
Singing in a group, such as a choir, brings together people of different backgrounds and ages and can improve physical and mental well-being. People often join choirs for social reasons in addition to musical ones. Traditionally, group singing has been face-to-face due to its interactive nature. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted efforts to digitize group singing. While some choirs successfully adapted to online rehearsals, others faced challenges that led to low perceived musical and social value and eventually to discontinuation or non-initiation of online rehearsals. Against this background, this project addressed the following needs 1) High-quality technology solutions are required for productive and musically valuable online rehearsals. 2) Digital literacy and other competencies are necessary for conducting and participating in online rehearsals to cope with the specifics of the online environment. 3) Specific choral pedagogical principles are needed to support singers in online rehearsals and to achieve musical goals. 4) Measures to promote technology acceptance and social interaction are needed to create an inclusive and enjoyable online rehearsal space.