Seventy-two persons, who had begun voice lessons after 40 years of age, were invited to complete an online survey that focused on the singers’ experience, motivation, goals, health and well-being, repertoire, practice, and demographic information; 48 respondents (33 females, mean age 60.81 years, range 48.83–82.08, SD = 6.99) completed the questionnaire. Most participants indicated that enjoyment and personal growth motivated their taking lessons. Over 90% commented on benefits of singing to their physical health (e.g., breathing) and mental health (e.g., mood, less depressive episodes). Despite the solitary aspect of singing lessons, 67% reported positive changes in social relations since taking lessons. Benefits to professional relations were also reported (e.g., confidence, listening to others). Repertoire level was generally high, consistent with a high average university educational level. Cost of lessons and time demands may account for the generally high socioeconomic status of respondents. Given that the singing voice is a musical instrument available to almost everyone, results might motivate older adults to consider taking voice lessons, encourage health care professionals to consider voice lessons as interventions to benefit clients, and persuade governments to subsidize voice lessons for older adults in their jurisdictions. The study provides a foundation for future research on the relative impacts on well-being of vocal lessons versus choral singing in the context of relative investments in the two activities.

邀请 72 名 40 岁后开始学习声乐课程的人完成一项在线调查，该调查侧重于歌手的经历、动机、目标、健康和福祉、曲目、练习和人口统计信息；48 名受访者（33 名女性，平均年龄 60.81 岁，范围 48.83–82.08，SD= 6.99) 完成问卷。大多数参与者表示，享受和个人成长促使他们上课。超过 90% 的人评论了唱歌对他们的身体健康（例如呼吸）和心理健康（例如情绪、减少抑郁发作）的好处。尽管歌唱课有孤独的一面，但 67% 的人报告说，自从上课以来，社会关系发生了积极的变化。还报告了对职业关系的好处（例如，自信、倾听他人）。曲目水平普遍较高，与较高的大学平均教育水平相一致。课程成本和时间要求可能是受访者普遍较高的社会经济地位的原因。鉴于歌声是几乎每个人都可以使用的乐器，结果可能会促使老年人考虑参加声乐课，鼓励医疗保健专业人员将语音课程视为使客户受益的干预措施，并说服政府为其管辖范围内的老年人提供语音课程补贴。该研究为未来研究声乐课与合唱对幸福感的相对影响在这两项活动的相对投资背景下提供了基础。