Search

The Role of Conductors’ Non-Verbal Cues in Shaping Elderly Choral Singers’ Expressivity Perception: A Qualitative Study Exploration of Psychological Influences

Author(s)

Miao Liu

Affiliation(s)

Jiangxi Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China

Abstract

This qualitative study explored how elderly choral singers’ psychological traits shape their perception of conductors’ non-verbal cues and how these cues influence their psychological experience of choral expressivity. Using constructivist grounded theory, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observations of 30 singers (aged 60-78) from eight community choirs in Nanchang. Three interconnected themes emerged: positive facial expressions satisfied emotional validation needs and boosted confidence, whereas negative cues triggered anxiety, reflecting a positivity bias; slow and expansive gestures reduced cognitive load, while subtle or rapid movements caused confusion and undermined perceived competence; and cues resonating with life experiences fostered emotional connection, yet mismatches induced emotional dissonance. These findings underscore the necessity of adapting conductors’ non-verbal communication to accommodate older adults’ unique psychological characteristics, including positivity bias, need for validation, and age-related cognitive limitations. By proposing an elderly-centered framework, this study contributes to understanding how non-verbal communication in musical settings can enhance psychological well-being, offering practical implications for optimizing community choral programs to better support elderly participants’ mental health.

Keywords

Choral Conducting; Facial Expressions; Gestures; Elderly Choral Singers; Perception of Expressivity; Qualitative Research; Grounded Theory

References

[1]Creech, A., Hallam, S, Varvarigou, M., & McQueen, H. (2013). The impact of group singing on the health and well-being of older people. Musicae Scientiae, 17(1), 4-26. https://doi.org/10.1177/1029864913480888 [2]Cohen, G. D, Bailey, E., & Nilsson, L. G. (2006). Engagement and disengagement in later life: A life-span view. Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 26(1), 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163498406288186 [3]Clift, S, & Hancox, G. (2001). The health benefits of singing: A review of the evidence. Journal of Applied Arts & Health, 1(1), 65-79. https://doi.org/10.1386/jaah.1.1.65/1 [4]Davidson, J. W. (2001). Conductor gesture and visual communication in instrumental performance. Music Education Research, 3(1), 35-53. [5]Fozard, J. L, Vercruyssen, M., Reynolds, S. L., Hancock, P. A., & Quilter, R. M. (1998). Age differences in sensory functioning. In J. E. Birren & K. W. Schaie (Eds.), Handbook of the psychology of aging (5th ed., pp. 171-211). Academic Press. [6]Wöllner, C. (2008). Visual perception of musical expression in conductor gestures. Journal of New Music Research, 37(3), 227-244. https://doi.org/10.1080/09298210802205666 [7]Owsley, C. (2011). Vision Research: An International Journal in Visual Science, 51. [8]Salthouse, T. A. (2004). What causes age-related declines in cognitive function? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13(3), 140-144. [9]Carstensen, L. L, Isaacowitz, D. M, & Charles, S. T. (2006). Taking time seriously: A theory of socioemotional selectivity. American Psychologist, 61(2), 109-121. [10]Luck, G, Toiviainen, P, & Thompson, W. F. (2019). Conductor facial expressions influence perceived musical expressivity. Psychology of Music, 47(3), 416-430. [11]Van Weelden, K, & Van der Sluis, E. (2020). The effect of conductor gesture expansiveness on ensemble synchronization and musical expression. Journal of New Music Research, 49(3), 223-238. https://doi.org/10.1080/09298215.2020.1766364 [12]Darwin, C. (2009). The expression of the emotions in man and animals (P. Ekman, Ed.). Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1872) [13]Davidson, J. W. (2001). Conductor gesture and visual communication in instrumental performance. Music Education Research, 3(1), 35-53. [14]Thompson, W. F, Russo, F. A., & Quinto, C. (2021). Conductor nonverbal communication influences ensemble performance expressivity. Psychology of Music, 49(2), 403-418. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735620921664 [15]Carstensen, L. L., Pasupathi, M, Mayr, U, & Nesselroade, J. R. (2005). Emotional experience in everyday life across the lifespan. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(4), 644-655. [16]Bishop, D., Martens, W. L, & Parsons, R. (2019). Conductor gesture amplitude influences ensemble synchronization and listener perception of expressivity. Music Perception, 36(5), 431-444. https://doi.org/10.1525/mp.2019.36.5.431 [17]Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. Sage Publications. [18]Miles, M. B, & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook (2nd ed.). Sage Publications. [19]Lincoln, Y. S, & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage Publications. [20]Baltes, P. B, & Smith, J. (2001). New frontiers in the future of aging: From successful aging of the young old to the dilemmas of the fourth age. Gerontology, 47(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1159/000046233 [21]Ryff, C. D. (1989). Happiness is everything, or is it? Explorations on the meaning of psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1069-1081. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.57.6.1069 [22]Zhang, L, & Li, M. (2022). Community-based choral singing for the elderly in China: A qualitative study of participation motives and well-being outcomes. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 30(4), 789-798. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2021-0345 [23]Zhao, Y, Wang, H., & Chen, J. (2023). Non-verbal communication in elderly community choirs: A pilot study of conductor-singer interactions. Chinese Journal of Gerontology, 43(11), 2801-2805. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-9202.2023.11.045 [24]Zhou, H, & Liu, Y. (2021). The role of traditional folk music in elderly well-being: A cross-cultural perspective. Journal of Ethnomusicology, 65(2), 289-312.