Singing and Wellbeing

"A brilliantly thorough thesis on the topic of singing’s existential essence and its elemental presence in well-being. Kay Norton’s compelling research shows a deeply engaged scholar ably traversing cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary perspectives in search of answers to the question of how and why singing affects us so profoundly."

—Sarah Schmalenberger, Associate Professor of Music, University of St. Thomas

"Kay Norton’s stimulating book draws on both scientific and humanistic disciplines to explain why humans sing and the effects this has on their nature, culture, and wellbeing. With its emphasis on the promotion of health through song it is set to become essential reading for anyone interested in this topic."

—Penelope Gouk, Honorary Research Fellow, University of Manchester

"From the womb to the deathbed, the voice offers a sense of self and of one’s place within community. Keeping the singing voice at the center, Singing and Wellbeing: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Proof is diagnostic, prescriptive, historically grounded, philosophically attuned, and beautifully pitched."

—Nina Eidsheim, Assistant Professor of Musicology, University of California, Los Angeles

"Synthesizing research findings from neuroscience, historical musicology, ethnomusicology, music therapy, anthropology, aesthetics, theology, and other fields, Norton skilfully weaves a rich tapestry that provides compelling evidence for the pervasive role of singing in human societies.... Norton’s multi-faceted discussion of singing joyfully illuminates and reflects the multiple roles that the melodious-inflected voice occupies in the human experience."

—William A. Everett, Curators' Distinguished Professor of Musicology, Univeristy of Missouri-Kansas City, IRASMvol.47 no.1

"Kay Norton’s Singing and Wellbeing: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Proof offers a thought-provoking case for allowing our musical attentions to divert, or at least become more holistic, toward the ‘nonmusical benefits’ of singing. Norton takes the reader on a multi-disciplinary journey through ‘serious study’ in fields such as the neurosciences and medicine on the health and wellness benefits of singing. … Readers will recognize there is much more we as musicians can and should be learning about the connections between singing and lifelong health."

— William F. Tell, Choral Journal

"Overall, I found this book very easy to read and full of useful information to support my practice. The historical origins of individual and group singing practices, alongside recent research and case studies have not previously been encapsulated in such detail. I have already found myself using some of my furthered knowledge about singing and the brain in conversations with parents and carers, sharing with them some of the processes taking place which make singing so beneficial. I liked the way that there was significant attention given to both verbal and non-verbal aspects of the voice, acknowledging from the outset the importance of what she terms the ‘inflected voice’ in bringing meaning to vocal exchanges. The author has covered an extensive amount of literature and the reference sections are full of useful further reading for those wishing to delve deeper."

—Tina Warnock, British Journal of Music Therapy

"Recommended"

— R. D. Arcari, University of Connecticut School of Medicine in CHOICE