What Makes Choral Music-Making Meaningful? Canadian Musicians’ Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background Previous research has explored experiences of choral music-making and its benefits for health and well-being. Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore what makes engaging in choral music-making meaningful for choral musicians in Canada as illuminated by their experience of the first 18–22 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants who are involved with choral music-making across Canada. Interpretive description was used to analyze the interview data. Findings Three themes were identified: (1) music-making contributing to a sense of community, (2) transcendent properties of music-making, and (3) music-making contributing to a sense of self. Implications This study provides insight into aspects of music participation which contribute to its meaningfulness, the utility of considering choral music-making as a co-occupation, and the relationship between choral music-making and participants’ self-concept. The findings provide insight on how occupational therapists can support people who engage in this meaningful occupation.