Harmonizing Inclusion in Choral Music

Harmonising Inclusion in Choral Music (InChoir) tackles the escalating challenges of inequality, social exclusion, and polarisation in European societies by focusing on inclusive choirs. Whilst culture is promoted as ‘the fourth pillar of sustainability’, and increasing attention has been given to socially-driven music projects in the Global South and Australia, research on socially transformative choirs has remained at the fringes of academia, and little is known about inclusive choir practices in Europe. Whereas music educators and leaders tend to be disconnected from academia, the existing scholarly work typically focuses on a single case or theory. By integrating the disciplines of music, education, and social sciences with the practical expertise of inclusive choirs, InChoir aims to bridge the gap between research on sustainable development and choir practices by producing knowledge on inclusive choir practices in Europe and translating research into practical applications. Three objectives are set: 1) to provide meta-knowledge on reported inclusive choir programs in Europe; 2) to expand reflexive understanding of professional competencies and ethics required for inclusive choirs; and 3) to promote inclusive choirs and music culture in institutional European contexts and the whole-of-society. Through integrating scholarship on inclusive choir studies with a series of individual in-depth (online/onsite) interviews with choral leaders of successful inclusive choir practices in different European countries, InChoir expands and deepens professional understanding in music and provides practical guidelines and policy briefs on the potential of choirs to enhance sustainability. Conducted at one of the leading European music universities under the supervision of a renowned expert in the field, InChoir will exert a significant impact on both academic and practice-based forums of music education as well as on broader society.