Options
A study of karaoke singing by mature adults in the Singaporean Chinese community
Citation
Paper presented at the 3rd Redesigning Pedagogy International Conference, Singapore, 1 - 3 June 2009
Author
Chua, Yi Fang
Abstract
The aim of this research is to study the different methods used by mature adults, age 50 and above in Singapore, to learn informal singing with Karaoke in the Chinese community. Through interviews and observations of the participants, the researcher studied the methods employed by the participants in learning to sing Mandarin Karaoke songs. Knowing when, where, what and how the participants learn and practise the songs provided necessary direction in understanding the processes of informal music making. Also important to know are the motivations of the participants and their concerns when learning Karaoke singing. The observations indicated that the methods employed to learn music are a function of the motivation for joining the class. In addition, karaoke and recording devices are indispensable learning tools in the participants’ learning of songs which are built on various forms of aural and oral repetition. Music educators can draw on the findings to develop informal music making programmes outside the classroom. The results indicate that Karaoke singing has the potential to attract and nurture a community of lifelong music learners.
Date Issued
June 2009