Objectives

Objectives of AIRS

The following five objectives address critical theoretical and practical issues in research on singing in a new way, aiming to advance basic knowledge and improve the human condition. 

Objective 1. to identify universals and particulars of the development of singing within cultural contexts; 

outcome: commonalities identified in singing behaviours and development that transcend local cultures such as emergence of musical scales, melodic contours, and mean length of phrases 

Objective 2. to distinguish the characteristics of singing and speaking; 

outcome:  insights gained by addressing, from the perspective of singing, traditional linguistics and psycholinguistics issues on the nature of language acquisition, e.g., characterizing prosodic (melodic contour) content of the early babbling stage cross-culturally

Objective 3. to develop pedagogical tools for singing based on findings under Objectives 1 and 2, and to develop methods for benefiting education in general through the introducing of the art of singing; 

outcome: increased quality of singing instruction, learning, and education in general 

Objective 4. to test the hypothesis that learning non-native songs promotes intercultural understanding;

outcome: a database of authentic culturally laden songs and methods for promoting peace and intercultural understanding within multicultural nations such as Canada and between nations.

Objective 5.  to determine the role of singing on individual and community well-being to develop with a specific focus on developing and monitoring techniques for intergenerational singing activities

outcome: improved intergenerational awareness and understanding, preservation of songs of elders and improved personal and societal well-being within Canada and beyond