Chorus America conducts regular and periodic research to track data and identify trends in the choral field.
Research & Reports
The Chorus Impact Study: Singing for a Lifetime
Published in 2019, The Chorus Impact Study: Singing for a Lifetime, builds on previous Chorus Impact Study data about the impact singing has on individuals and communities, and, for the first time, looks in-depth at the role that singing plays in the lives of older adults. The research shows that choral singing in America is stronger than ever, with 54 million Americans singing together today.
Previous Chorus Impact Studies include:
- The Chorus Impact Study: How Children, Adults, and Communities Benefit from Choruses This 2009 study found that an estimated 42.6 million Americans regularly sing in choruses and that choral singing is strongly correlated with qualities that are associated with success throughout life for both adults and children. Children who sing in choruses have academic success and valuable life skills. The advocacy guide Making the Case for Your School Choir draws on data from this study.
- America's Performing Art: A Study of Choruses, Choral Singers, and their Impact In 2003, Chorus America commissioned this ground-breaking study of the qualities of adult choral singers, as well as providing the first participation figures for choral singing.
Chorus Operations Survey
Our Chorus Operations Survey (COS) is the most comprehensive source of data available on choruses and the choral field. The information gathered helps choruses make better decisions about programming, budgeting, staffing, and other management practices. Chorus America also uses this data to offer general compensation information for administrative and artistic leaders and singers, and to provide customized salary and compensation reports for administrative and artistic leaders.
You can find the most recent Chorus Operations Survey Report here. The 2022 Chorus Operations Survey Report shares how choruses’ budgets, digital and in-person programming practices, and staffing have changed due to the impact of COVID-19.
Choral Conductors Today: An Updated Report
Choral Conductors Today uses data drawn from the survey responses of more than 600 conductors to examine conductors' career paths, training, responsibilities, salaries, and more. (This 2017 report updates data from Chorus America's first choral conductor survey, done in 2005.)
Choral-Orchestral Engagements: Common Practices
A practical resource for choruses, Choral-Orchestral Engagements provides guidance on collaborating successfully with orchestras, based on conversations with more than 30 artistic administrators. (This report was revised and republished in 2013, updating the original 2004 report.)