OBJECTIVE: The study examined the effects of a low-dose mindfulness course on student singers. Participants took self-report measures — the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Singing Voice Handicap Index–10 (SVHI-10), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), the Profile of Mood States–Short Form (POMS-SF), and the Musician’s Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (MAAQ) — before and after the mindfulness course to help us determine whether mindfulness could have a positive impact on their vocal health, stress levels, and emotional well-being. We hypothesized that mindfulness would positively impact singers, thereby improving their self-report measures and indicating that mindfulness can be helpful in preventing stress and preserving both mental and vocal health.

METHODS: Fourteen (14) participants completed a low-dose MBSR-based mindfulness course consisting of six (6) 1-hour sessions over a period of six weeks. Participants were expected to practice assigned mindfulness meditation and movement exercises 20 minutes daily between sessions. Students completed the above-described questionnaires prior to and after completing the course. Some students also participated in exit interviews.

RESULTS: When we compared participants to themselves before and after the course, all scores changed in the direction hypothesized. Average change in SVHI-10 was a 6.67 point decrease (range = -1 to 14), which is clinically significant. The average change in the Profile of Mood States–Short Form (POMS-SF) was a 17.25 point decrease (range = 1 to 54). The Five Facet Mindfulness questionnaire showed an average increase of 2.78 points (range = -6 to 11). We are awaiting data from a second round of the study, which we anticipate will show change and participant numbers that lead to statistically significant results. Exit interviews revealed themes of improved overall performance, reduced anxiety related to voice, a better relationship to the voice, and improved practice.

CONCLUSIONS: The mindfulness course positively impacted singers by resulting in improved singing voice health, mindfulness, and mood state measures. Singers reported improvements in public performances and in their relationship with their voice. This preliminary study indicates a need for further investigation regarding the use of mindfulness programs within voice training institutions.