Classical Notes: July 5, 2008 Archive

Most People Can Sing

Posted at 4:05 AM on July 5, 2008 by Gillian Martin

I had a voice teacher in college who asserted that almost everyone can be taught to sing well. Now science has proved it--well, something like it.

New research (albeit with a fairly small sample) suggests that 90% of the general public can sing on pitch. The 10% who can't fall into two groups: those who know it, and those who don't. Read more about the study here.

Personally, I've always had a certain admiration for those who don't sing well, but still sing lustily and loud. To me, it demonstrates the sheer joy of singing.