Connections is a musical exploration of sonic frequencies and voice and the ways they can affect emotions
Click here to download or listen to Connections pieces on Soundcloud
Click on the above graphs to download the Connections trials results and evaluation
105 trials took place with 99 eligible trials in total. 25 vulnerable adults, a dance movement therapist and neuro-divergent child-patient took part in these trials through listening to the pieces and responding to a test ‘kit’ to measure the impact that these choral pieces may have on their physical responses and emotions.
The results offer not just one perspective or a specific/single response; instead they show a pattern and a range of responses.
The responses to the 4 musical movements are generally positive.
Movement 4 which was more “harmonious” than 1 and 2 was the most positive. Movement 5 showed a similar outcome to Movement 1.
More details about the research are described here below
Connections is a research and development project by composer Isa Suarez with the participation of vulnerable adults, choirs and therapists.
The aim is to create choral music that alleviates anxiety, promotes relaxation and improves mental and physical well-being.
Hundreds of frequencies and tones were taken from recordings during healing sessions made by complementary therapists (chanting, drumming, rattles, tuning forks, gongs and singing bowls). Using this material, I composed a series of short choral pieces. During the composition process, I observed and experimented with these tones and their frequency’ ranges, harmonics, pitch, loudness, envelopment, pause, resonance, dissonance to produce ambient and uplifting vocal pieces.
I produced a series of initial 4 works-in-progress. These compositions were recorded and performed by The Ora Singers at 1,2,3, Studios- London
105 trials took place with 99 eligible trials in total.25 vulnerable adults took part in the trials, through listening to the pieces and responding to a test ‘kit’, to measure the impact that these choral pieces may have on their physical responses and emotions. Participants included: adults from The Choir with No Name and Arlington House as well as other vulnerable adults.
In addition, a dance movement therapist and her neuro-divergent child-patient took part in this trial during her therapy session.
The World Homelessness Day event at Arlington House (10th Oct 2022):
The project was publicly launched and included performances by The Arlingtones and The Choir with No Name/London who sang a new vocal piece especially arranged by their choir conductor in response to the Connections compositions.
In response to participants feedback and input, I developed the pieces further: frequencies were softened and shifted; musical instrumentation was added and arrangements were adjusted.
The trials results offer not just one perspective or a specific/single response; instead they show a pattern and a range of responses. See the above graphs.
The responses to the 4 musical movements are generally positive.
Movement 4 which was more “harmonious” than 1 and 2 was the most positive. Movement 5 showed a similar outcome to Movement 1.
To find out more details about the trials’ results, you can download the attached pdf by clicking on the above graph image or contact Isa Suarez: connectionsproject2022@gmail.com
Connections is a project developed in partnership with The Choir with No Name and Arlington (part of One Housing/ Riverside)
Photograph by: peterschreiber.media
Copyright 2022 Isa Suarez. All rights reserved
