Introduction 

Currently, one of the foremost problems in the United States is the rising reports of mental health issues.  According to the WHO, they found that there has been a 13% increase in mental health conditions and substance use within the last decade.  As a musician and an aspiring physician, I wanted to find a possible solution to help with this ever-growing problem.  Thus, the purpose of my karaoke workshop was to not only teach the participants about the basics of the artform, but to also provide alternative ways for people to improve their well-being, self-confidence, and cognitive abilities regardless of their musical background.  For their final project, students will perform a song of their choice karaoke-style, while also presenting their experiences with karaoke.

History & Distinction

Karaoke was invented in Japan around the 1970’s by a musician named Daisuke Inoue, and eventually spread all throughout the world shortly (The Atlantic). Its global success is primarily attributed to the fact that karaoke provides a great opportunity for people to sing freely, while also serving as a good business opportunity for clubs and bars.  In particular, karaoke enables people to express themselves more easily in comparison to traditional communication, “which is really a blend of music therapy and coping skills” (Penn Medicine).  Throughout the workshop, we performed songs ranging from the Abba to Mulan, and focused specifically on the impact karaoke can have on each individual.

Methods

When creating my workshop, I was able to incorporate much of my knowledge and experiences with classical music and academic tutoring.  However, to gain more insight into the various impact karaoke had, I researched various scientific journals through colloquium.  Most notably, I discovered that an NIH study found that engaging the elderly with karaoke “may be a key to slowing cognitive decline and preventing dysphagia by sarcopenia” (NIH).  Likewise, in an article written by Colin Dalton, he found that in Asian countries specifically, karaoke is integral in many classrooms because it provides English teachers with an entertaining way to teach new vocabulary and retain information long term (Dalton).  With this information, I began structuring my lessons by teaching students music theory concepts and singing techniques, while also having them participate in it firsthand.  While karaoke is naturally engaging, I ensured that my students were engaged by teaching them a new song each week, and specifically focusing on one singing aspect such as intonation, breath control, posture, and more.

Audience & Impact

When designing my workshop, I created it for all college students who were a part of Art Scholars regardless of their musical abilities or talents.  I have chosen this audience because I wanted to teach my classmates an alternative way they can cope with their emotions and workload.  Moreover, since students in Art Scholars have different musical backgrounds, I designed my workshop so that the participants will not only develop a love for singing karaoke, but also use it as an alternative way to improve their well being.  Personally, one of my major goals for this workshop was to conduct a small research study regarding the effect karaoke can have on people’s well-being.  Given how prevalent mental health has become, I would like to use this artistic medium to present a possible solution.  

References

Dalton, Colin. Utilizing Karaoke in the ESL Classroom: The Beatles - Ed. files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1262916.pdf. 

H, Miyazaki A. “Frequent Karaoke Training Improves Frontal Executive Cognitive Skills, Tongue Pressure, and Respiratory Function in Elderly People.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32102472/. 

Madrigal, Alexis C. “Someone Had to Invent Karaoke - This Guy Did.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 19 Dec. 2013, www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/12/someone-had-to-invent-karaoke-this-guy-did/282491/. 

Williams, Andy. “Self-Confidence Takes Center Stage with Karaoke.” Penn Medicine, www.pennmedicine.org/news/internal-newsletters/happenings/2018/november/self-confidence-takes-center-stage-with-karaoke. 

Acknowledgements

I would like to first and foremost thank the Art Scholars, Harold, Heather, and Gabby along with my TA, Caroline for their endless support, encouragement, and feedback.  Moreover, I would also like to thank my participants for their participation and enthusiasm towards karaoke.  Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, and teachers who have enabled me to not only teach the art of karaoke to others, but also become the person I am today.  I am sincerely thankful towards everyone.