Empathy as a Tool for Embodiment Processes in Vocal Performance

• Main Author: Erin Heisel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Ohio State University Libraries 2015-09-01
• Series: Empirical Musicology Review
• Subjects: empathy; vocal performance; singing; vocal pedagogy; opera; music
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.18061/emr.v10i1-2.4601

One way of understanding empathy in music performance is as a process by which singers closely identify with the characters they encounter and portray in opera or art song. As singers embody these characters, they literally give them voice. Music performance humanizes characters as well as performers and audiences through shared empathetic engagement, resulting in the development of knowledge and understanding within and beyond the immediate musical experience. What is the process a singer goes through in empathizing with a character? How can young classical or musical theatre singers learn to empathize with the characters they are tasked with portraying, even when they may find the characters or their behavior to fall outside of their own moral convictions? This paper posits that empathy is a necessary part of the role preparation process for singers and introduces the "role journal" as a way for young singers to track embodiment processes and develop healthy habits of empathy and boundaries in their work.