What are the skills, attributes and knowledge for group singing facilitators? A systematic review

Abstract

Community-based open-to-all choirs or singing groups are popular internationally and associated with multiple health and well-being benefits. Facilitators of such groups require specific skills, attributes and knowledge. Therefore, we examined literature to identify key characteristics of group singing facilitators (GSFs) using a systematic review approach. Eighteen studies are included in the current review. These studies utilized qualitative research methods to illustrate GSFs’ roles within the community context. Narrative synthesis revealed two meta-themes, namely music-related and group facilitation-related. Within both meta-themes, there were various skills, attributes and knowledge specific to GSFs, which appear to be intertwined. This analysis also revealed the complexity of group singing facilitation along with a lack of opportunities for training and support for GSFs. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate holistic learning to support GSFs with essential skills, attributes and knowledge to promote group singing in the community setting.