Tailored music sessions could be crucial in transforming the lives of millions of people whose speech is impacted by learning difficulties, strokes, dementia, brain damage and autism, a new study suggests.
It could enable individuals and their families to feel less isolated or neglected within society, while enhancing their ability to communicate, both with each other and the wider world.
But consistent funding and provision needs to be increased, while health and community providers need to implement a more integrated approach to using music in supporting those impacted by strokes and dementia.
Those are among the key findings of Beyond Words, a project led by the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Music Zone (PMZ) and funded by the Arts Council England Research Grants programme.
It focused on those who have problems communicating with words – who the researchers now term as being ‘post-verbal’ – and how music might be used to help them.
The study is the first to focus on post-verbal people and music, and one of the first to explore how music can have a positive effect on a wide range of health-related issues and how future provision might take them all into account rather than focussing on only specific groups within society.
Jocey Quinn, Professor of Education at the University, led the study which involved a series of interviews, focus groups and arts workshops, as well as observing the regular sessions offered by PMZ. She said:
“What we have shown is that music can give people a voice, allowing them to explore their creativity as well as communicating both pleasure and pain. In post-verbal children, music can enable carers and families to see the full potential of the individual, while in someone with dementia, a person’s identity can re-emerge when families might have thought it had been lost. This is not simply talking about a minority group, but millions of people who currently do not get good provision, and finding ways to give people hope for the future.”
Debbie Geraghty is the Executive Director of Plymouth Music Zone, the award-winning charity which was the focus of the groundbreaking longitudinal research. The charity is at the forefront of using music as a powerful tool for inclusion and social change and reaches out to vulnerable children, young people and adults across Plymouth and beyond. She added:
“This research really shines a light on the tremendous personal and social impacts music can have on individuals and, indeed, how to go about using music to achieve those changes. Surprisingly for us though, it shows just how much those effects really ripple out among families and communities and uncovers the true depth and importance of the work. Plymouth Music Zone willingly opened its doors to researchers because we care so deeply about using the power of music to include and value everyone in society. I hope these valuable insights influence others far and wide as the participants who took part in this research have enriched our lives and taught us more about the importance of connection, kindness and care than we could ever have imagined possible.”
For the project, research assistant Claudia Blandon spent 16 months observing sessions delivered by PMZ and following the lives of 25 people who attend sessions at the centre and other community venues like care homes. PMZ’s Training and Research Manager and Music Leader, Anna Batson, was the third member of the research team who brought musical expertise to the findings.
It also involved interviews with 44 family members, which offered an insight into the richness of the lives led by ‘post-verbal’ people, 30 arts workshops with the post-verbal people and four focus groups with music leaders and volunteers based around current provision and how they felt it might be enhanced.
The final report is now being communicated to policy makers, charities and others in the hope that the type of sessions offered at Plymouth Music Zone, and other similar centres, can be increased in a sustainable manner.
Some of its findings have already been communicated during conferences in Plymouth, Poland and the United States, with the hope that the lessons learned could be implemented internationally.
Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said:
“We are delighted to have been able to support the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Music Zone through our National-Lottery funded Research Grants programme to carry out this important project. Our research programme aims to deepen knowledge and understanding of the impact of art and culture, and the complex role it plays in our experience as individuals and a society. We are pleased to see that the results of this study provide credible and robust evidence that demonstrates the wide social benefits of art and culture and hope this goes some way to making the links truly recognised.”
Beyond Words
Our research partner, Plymouth Music Zone has produced a beautiful short film about the Beyond Words project, directed by award-winning film-maker Amanda Bluglass.
Learn more:Music sessions can help millions who struggle to speak to lead a richer life, study suggests
The Latest on: Music communication
[google_news title=”” keyword=”music communication” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]- Best boAt Bluetooth headphones: Check out our top picks for music, entertainment and moreon May 8, 2024 at 7:24 pm
At Bluetooth headphones combine cutting-edge technology with a sleek design, providing users with an immersive audio experience, comfort, and convenience.
- "It's very moving" - Music therapy sessions for dementia get support across city in UK firston May 8, 2024 at 8:14 am
A Manchester orchestra has joined forces with universities and the healthcare system to roll out a programme of dementia music therapy sessions across the city. View on euronews ...
- Tots live music class launches with Teddy Picnicon May 8, 2024 at 6:50 am
Babies and toddlers are being invited to bring their bears along to a Teddy Picnic to celebrate the launch of Musical Mayhem’s first ever West Sussex class.
- Steppin’ to the Beat: 15 Denver Fashion Week Designers Talk Choosing Runway Musicon May 8, 2024 at 5:31 am
Ahead of Denver Fashion Week Spring '24, 303 Magazine spoke with 15 designers about how and why they pick their runway soundtracks.
- ‘The integration of AI into the music industry heralds a symphony of transformative possibilities.’on May 7, 2024 at 11:05 am
The following op/ed comes from Daouda Leonard, manager of Grimes and founder of Los Angeles-based AI development studio ...
- Tyler Hubbard Says Florida Georgia Line Breakup Caught Him By Surprise, Reveals Communication With Brian Kelley Is “Minimal” These Dayson May 7, 2024 at 9:50 am
Florida Georgia Line was undeniably one of the biggest acts of the 2010s, for better or worse. (And let's be honest, it was worse). The bro-country duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley changed the ...
- English in Action breaks ground for their new communication centeron May 5, 2024 at 2:52 pm
English in Action hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new communication center on Wednesday, inviting students, tutors and community members to commemorate the historic occasion. Despite the gray ...
- Issue 409 of Future Music is out nowon May 5, 2024 at 7:00 am
St. Vincent, Jeff Mills, Arturia AstroLab, How To Dress Well, Luke Slater, music theory 101, DIY modular & much more!
- Journeying Through the Depths of Music: Interview with Ruichao Wu on Her Creative Pathon May 3, 2024 at 5:25 pm
As a highly acclaimed musician, Ruichao Wu is renowned for her versatile musical style. Throughout her musical journey, she has garnered a series of ...
- Analysts Offer Insights on Communication Services Companies: Universal Music Group (OtherUMGNF) and Altice Usa (ATUS)on May 2, 2024 at 9:34 pm
Companies in the Communication Services sector have received a lot of coverage today as analysts weigh in on Universal Music Group (UMGNF – Research Report) and Altice Usa (ATUS – Research Report).
via Google News and Bing News