Non-participation in online Sacred Harp singing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of Sacred Harp singers took their activities online, adopting and adapting various platforms for the purpose of participatory music-making. While many singers found online activity to be meaningful, others did not, and an additional group lacked access altogether. This study, which was conducted by means of an online questionnaire, surveys the experiences of Sacred Harp singers who were unable or unwilling to participate in online singing. It documents the practical concerns and negative experiences that contributed to non-participation and considers the impacts of non-participation on the Sacred Harp community. Although technological barriers denied access to some singers, dissatisfaction with the online singing experience was the most significant factor in non-participation. Even with the improvement of online platforms, however, many singers will remain unable to participate in virtual singing due to lack of access to a private domestic space.