A phenomenological experience of singing vocal harmony with another person

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain insight and a deeper understanding of the experience of singing vocal harmony with another person. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four adults capable of singing vocal harmony. Minimal prior research to explain a person's perception and psychological experience of singing vocal harmony has been published. Through informal conversation the researcher discovered that vocal harmony is often utilized within clinical practice, but there is no literature to support its use or omission. Four healthy adult participants met individually with the researcher for an interview that mixed verbal and musical components. During the interview, the participant recalled and described their previous experiences singing in vocal harmony, sang a song of their choice with the researcher in vocal harmony, and then described this experience. Following data analysis the major findings of this research indicate that the experience of singing vocal harmony includes the building and expression of relationships,intrapersonal and interpersonal insight, movement and action, and beauty. This study discovered that there are implications for the clinical use of vocal harmony when working with patients who have reported prior experience and expressed a preference for vocal harmony. Recommendations were made for future research regarding vocal harmony, its use and application within the field of music therapy.