Enduring impacts of cathedral choral training on choristers’ lives

Investigations of the English Cathedral Choral tradition have ranged from studies of the pedagogical practices and environmental affordances and constraints that support choral excellence to the introduction of female voices into a male-dominated musical practice. Studies of choral participation have investigated the health and wellbeing outcomes of choral participation across the lifespan, and the psychological benefits and life skills of teamwork and leadership that develop in choral settings. These studies have focused on perceptions of current participation. Less is known of the enduring impacts of early choral participation across the lifespan. This study investigates two former cathedral choristers’ experience through extended interview and narrative case studies. Both choristers reported participation in the cathedral choir as significant and life-changing, continuing to impact them many years later. Chorister habits of thought and practice including attention to detail, care of others, assuming leadership, and self-discipline were reported to endure in life beyond the choir. Being thrust into the midst of a politically charged policy change introducing female cathedral choristers created life-forming experiences for girls, in what was retrospectively described as a first act of feminism. This research provides insights into the ways in which extra-curricular ensembles and vocal tuition shape possible musical selves.