Date
12-19-2024
Department
School of Music
Degree
Doctor of Music Education (DME)
Chair
Rebecka Rose
Keywords
Music, Music Education, Music Performance, Choral Ensemble, Choir, Vocal, Physiological Entrainment, Heart Coherence, HeartMath, Social Coherence, Emotional Self-Regulation, Anxiety, Depression, Focus, Frequency, Resonance, Holistic, Sympathetic Vibration, Sound Therapy, Socio-Emotional Learning, Benefits of Music
Disciplines
Education | Music
Recommended Citation
Mattfeld, Nicole M., "The Emotional, Physical, and Mental Effects of Physiological Entrainment and Heart Coherence in the Choral Ensemble" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 6380.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/6380
Abstract
Despite endless studies on the benefits of music related to stress reduction and decreased anxiety, there is more in-depth research in the holistic health realm, which has yet to be applied, especially to music educators. Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries in the last decade, proving that music can heal the nervous system; and guide one’s body into a state of physical and emotional coherence. This study gathered existing research and applied it through the lens of the choral music educator. Guided by the founders of the HeartMath Institute and additional scientific pioneers, this mixed-method study identified methods of holistic health and therapeutic music that have not yet been explored and documented in the choral ensemble setting. This information was collected through scientific data and anonymous surveys. Investigations on heart coherence, sympathetic vibration, and physiological entrainment have emerged as themes in exploring existing literature and research. A short curriculum has been created with examples of incorporating these exercises or ideas in the choral ensemble setting. This work is essential due to the overwhelming amount of mental health distress, autoimmune disorders, and chronic health issues that plague the world today, especially in youth. If therapeutic music is viewed as a tool that alleviates stress and is an integral part of healing the mind and body, the possibilities are endless. If music can be a tool to treat and potentially cure these ailments, it will revolutionize the overall approach towards music education.
