Music Program Research Articles

Zagreb Night-Time Economy: Hit or Myth

The concept of night-time economy is a relatively new and underexplored area in scientific and professional literature, encompassing musical programs that take place during evening and night-time hours and influence the life of the local community. Activities occur between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM, including events that have partly derived through the development of cultural and creative industries alongside various accompanying activities that facilitate their execution. Considering that this topic is relatively unknown and has not been researched in the Republic of Croatia, the study aims to clarify the concept of the night-time economy and analyse the needs and possibilities for introducing a systematic approach to the development of the night-time economy in the city of Zagreb. The methods used in the research include the analysis of previous studies and examples of good practice abroad. Information on the state of the night-time economy in the city of Zagreb was collected through interviews conducted with owners of concert venues. The synthesis of research findings was prepared using the SWOT analysis method. The analysis of the night-time economy of the city of Zagreb points to the recognizability of Zagreb as a concert destination but also to a number of challenges, such as a general lack of knowledge of the night-time economy concept, traffic congestion, noise, and increased amounts of waste that the local population faces during the performance of music programs. The recommendations of the conducted research serve as guidelines for developing a management system for the Zagreb night-time economy through some of the proposed models, such as local action groups or the introduction of a night-time mayor system, which have proven to be successful models in some of the world's metropolises.

Bridging the gap: how university music programs can integrate contemporary music creation into elementary school curriculum

In this paper, integration of contemporary classical music creation in elementary school curricula is presented as a key to boosting student engagement and creativity. It identifies a gap between traditional music pedagogy and modern practice whose music pedagogy limits students' engagements with music outside of school. Through the use of university music programs for the development of professional development and collaborative curriculum development, educators become more inclusive in the environment of music education. Among many innovative practices including graphic scores, Sound painting, improvisation, instrument making and body percussion, the study reviews some ways of creating freedom and cultural understanding for the non-music students.

Broadcasting the popular: All India Radio’s western music programming in the postcolonial era

ABSTRACT After the country became independent, All India Radio continued the colonial practice of broadcasting western popular music on a regular basis. This paper tries to analyse the reasons behind this decision, given the very small audience that such programming enjoyed. I begin by providing a brief history of broadcasting in the colonial era to demonstrate how that system served as a model for AIR’s subsequent policies. Next, the paper examines the controversies surrounding the ban on Hindi film music on Indian radio, to point out the curious fact that no such interdiction was passed on western popular music. I then look at the crucial role played by English as the primary linguistic medium for governing the postcolonial nation and conclude with the suggestion that the meaning of western pop on All India Radio needs to be understood as a means of governmentality that was instrumental in the making of postcolonial modernity.

Unpacking transformation in community music discourse

PurposeTransformation has become a commonly employed phrase in the field of community music. However, there has been little critical examination of its employment. This study aimed to explore how and why community musicians and project participants used this concept to describe their experiences of community music-making programmes.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methodological approach was utilised for this study. This included conducting an extensive literature review to establish a conceptual framework of transformations meaning within community music literature. Additionally, a historiography of the use of transformation in cultural policymaking and community music practice was developed to examine how this concept has gained prominence in the discourse. Alongside this, a case study was conducted on a music-making programme for adults with a mental health diagnosis to investigate the practical application of the concept of transformation.FindingsThe research reveals that musicians and participants often use “transformation” as a metaphor to articulate the personal impacts of community music programmes. These impacts include enhanced self-confidence, a greater sense of control and shifts in how individuals perceive themselves. The widespread use of this term is influenced by the messaging of funders and policymakers, who use the concept of personal transformation to rationalise funding for arts and cultural initiatives.Originality/valueThis research provides a new perspective on transformation and its meaning in community music practice. Additionally, it highlights the interconnection between community music activity and cultural policymaking, a relationship that has yet to receive much attention from scholars across both fields.

Social and Cognitive Predictors of Collaborative Learning in Music Ensembles

There have been many attempts to find ways to make music education more relevant and useful for pupils. Learning theories, performance-based learning, contract-learning, discovery-learning, cooperative learning, daily clocking, stage practice, and music-focused required and elective courses are all part of the implementation of these methods. Since high vocational students tend to have lower GPAs, it is imperative that they discover strategies to enhance their academic performance. Reform, rather than relying on theoretical frameworks, should be grounded on practical, innovative human actions. Both instructors and pupils possess the capacity to comprehend what they have learnt, according to the humanistic perspective. This paper provides evidence that collaborative learning is beneficial for first-year music practice students in a popular music program at a Chinese institution. The students work in small, diverse groups. Data was collected and analyzed from students over the course of one academic year with grades 4-6.. Collaboration is a powerful tool that has many applications, including but not limited to popular music degree programs, which is implemented in this paper using machine learning techniques. It zeroed down on seven important characteristics, all of which had obvious applications in the educational process. Another online course could use the method to predict students' performance, including real-time tracking of their progress and risk of dropping out, after it has been adjusted to capture relevant features corresponding to different contexts. This method could also be applied to other management learning platforms.

Gait ecological assessment in persons with Parkinson’s disease engaged in a synchronized musical rehabilitation program

Data on gait parameters during real-life activities and home rehabilitation programs for Persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwPDs) are scarce. Although cueing has been shown to improve their gait in laboratory conditions, few studies have applied this technique in at-home rehabilitation programs. Our study aimed to explore the use of a real-time synchronized beat-step music program for at-home rehabilitation. We conducted a 1-month outdoor gait rehabilitation program called BeatPark (30 min/day, 5 days/week), with 25 PwPDs, using real-time synchronized, cued, music, and measurements through the BeatMove application. We demonstrated that real-world walking with BeatMove exhibited improved gait parameters both within and across sessions. These improvements were further confirmed by the Six-Minute Walk Test conducted in silence in the laboratory before and after the program. Measures in real life are unique tools to enhance rehabilitation programs. Future research incorporating a control group will be essential to fully validate these encouraging findings.

Finding the beat: A partnership to address the relationship between a music program and health among youth who have experienced trauma.

Expertise on treating trauma and traumatic stress sequelae has been siloed in the mental health professions, although somatic psychotherapies and adjuncts to treatment are gaining attention. Alternative and accessible interventions are needed, especially for youth who have experienced trauma. Lost Voices is a community-based group providing trauma-informed music therapy to youth who have experienced trauma in southern Michigan. The purpose of this program evaluation was to use a community-based participatory research approach to create a thoughtful partnership between an academic partner and a nonprofit organization in order to evaluate the outcomes of a music therapy intervention currently being delivered by professional musicians to youth who have experienced trauma. This program evaluation used semistructured interviews with 19 key stakeholders (e.g., youth participants, facility staff, musicians) from two residential youth programs in southern Michigan. A total of four themes were identified from the interviews, including (a) processing emotion, (b) building trust, (c) self-expression, and (d) future orientation. Subthemes included individual story and coping within the theme processing emotion, a focus on outside role models and peer connection within the theme building trust, the fun aspect of the intervention and confidence as part of the theme self-expression, and future orientation encompassed the motivation that youth participants gained as well as forward thinking. This program evaluation provides data to help build the evidence for alternative mental health treatments that specifically reach those impacted by a lack of access and availability of treatments due to social determinants of health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Zagreb Night-Time Economy: Hit or Myth

The concept of night-time economy is a relatively new and underexplored area in scientific and professional literature, encompassing musical programs that take place during evening and night-time hours and influence the life of the local community. Activities occur between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM, including events that have partly derived through the development of cultural and creative industries alongside various accompanying activities that facilitate their execution. Considering that this topic is relatively unknown and has not been researched in the Republic of Croatia, the study aims to clarify the concept of the night-time economy and analyse the needs and possibilities for introducing a systematic approach to the development of the night-time economy in the city of Zagreb. The methods used in the research include the analysis of previous studies and examples of good practice abroad. Information on the state of the night-time economy in the city of Zagreb was collected through interviews conducted with owners of concert venues. The synthesis of research findings was prepared using the SWOT analysis method. The analysis of the night-time economy of the city of Zagreb points to the recognizability of Zagreb as a concert destination but also to a number of challenges, such as a general lack of knowledge of the night-time economy concept, traffic congestion, noise, and increased amounts of waste that the local population faces during the performance of music programs. The recommendations of the conducted research serve as guidelines for developing a management system for the Zagreb night-time economy through some of the proposed models, such as local action groups or the introduction of a night-time mayor system, which have proven to be successful models in some of the world's metropolises.

CHARACTERIZING MUSIC PARTICIPATION FOR ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Abstract Adults with Down syndrome (Ds) are living longer and have high risk of experiencing cognitive decline as they age. Unfortunately, few services are available to support aging adults with Ds and their care partners. Music is a safe, engaging intervention modality that has shown promising results for older adults experiencing cognitive decline. This study reported on adults with Ds’ frequency and type of music participation and described support provided by care partners. Additionally, the study explored associations of age, race, or level of intellectual disability associated with music participation. Care partners of adults with Ds (n =27) completed a survey that measured “listening” and “playing music” using the Guernsey Community Participation and Leisure Assessment. 92.6% of adults with Ds listened to music weekly or daily. 74.1% of care partners listened to music as an unaccompanied activity. 33.3% of adults with Ds played music either weekly or daily, and 48.2% of care partners described playing music as an unaccompanied activity. A significant association was found between race and playing music, but there were no significant associations between age, intellectual disability level, and music participation for adults with Ds. Knowing that racially minoritized adults with Ds had a higher frequency in playing music, those developing services and supports could consider utilizing music as a meaningful activity. Additionally, due to the lack of associations between age and intellectual disability, music programs could be developed equitably for changes in age and intellectual disability level, creating inclusive activities for this growing population of older adults.

PERSONALIZED MUSIC PLAYLISTS FOR HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS: CREATING AND REVISING VOLUNTEER WORKFLOW

Abstract Personalized music has been shown to decrease the incidence of neuropsychiatric symptoms among hospitalized older adults. As part of the “Creativity in Aging” project at Yale Geriatrics, this quality improvement study aims to evaluate the process and feasibility of a personalized music program in an inpatient geriatrics unit. We collaborated with the hospital volunteer department to credential and train five undergraduate volunteers in building personalized music playlists for hospitalized older adults to listen to during their stay. From October 2023 to February 2024, 88 patients were referred to the program by hospital staff, and 57 patients participated. Here we describe the process of developing and revising the pilot. Following “test” sessions led by a medical student and resident physician familiar with the unit, an initial protocol was developed. Volunteers used REDCap and paper spreadsheets to organize HIPAA-secure patient data including referrals, linkage to personalized playlists stored on iPads, and brief pre- and post-listening surveys. Volunteers filled out feedback forms after each weekly shift to identify workflow issues and suggest improvements. Challenges included 1) identification of appropriate patients and 2) hand-off of patient referrals, notes, and next steps between shifts. Consultation with multiple stakeholders including volunteers, nursing managers, and attending physicians, led to solutions: 1) recruitment of nursing staff and creation of resident physician training module, after which nurses and resident physicians became key patient referral sources, and 2) remodeling of REDCap to manage volunteer “hand-off” communication, replacing the physical note-keeping system. We aim to make this a sustainable volunteer program.

APP PROMOTING NONPHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN NURSING HOMES

Abstract Mobile app-based interventions have emerged as a promising approach for providing individualized non-pharmacological interventions to people living with dementia (PLWD) to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Offering such interventions can be challenging in nursing homes because of the lack of support from family members and heavy workload when composing and implementing individualized non-pharmacological interventions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a decision support application for nurses to facilitate non-pharmacological interventions. The research team developed an app that provides symptom-specific non-pharmacological interventions, and experts provided feedback on the app’s usability. Finally, the app was tested with four dyads of PLWD and nurses for four weeks (two weeks of the intervention period only) and was assessed for its overall quality and usability using questionnaires and interviews. Nurses recorded BPSD diaries ranging from 17 to 78 for four weeks. The implementation of symptom-specific, individualized non-pharmacological interventions using the application led to a reduction in BPSD. The nurses most frequently provided individualized music programs, followed by reminiscence programs. The engagement level of each dyad ranged from 3.1 to 3.6 out of 5. Overall, the app was perceived as beneficial in facilitating symptom-specific, individualized non-pharmacological care in nursing homes. Collectively, this study highlights the usefulness of the app in nursing homes by assisting nurses in their decisions regarding non-pharmacological interventions. However, further enhancements are warranted to improve usability and efficacy within the context of nursing homes.

Implementing a Therapeutic Music Program in the ICU

Introduction: In an effort to promote a healing environment in the intensive care unit (ICU), the use of therapeutic music offers an opportunity to expand patient and family centered care initiatives. However, limited information is available on the benefits of therapeutic music for patients, family members and clinical staff. Objective: The objective of this study was to implement a therapeutic music program in the ICU setting. Using musicians who were processed as hospital volunteers, the program was implemented starting in the medical ICU and expanding to 4 other clinical ICUs at an academic medical center. Methods: Institutional review board approval for the study was received. Musicians provide live music several times a week, typically in the late afternoon, visiting patient rooms and playing music in the hallways for those patients with isolation precautions (Figure 1). The volunteer musicians play classical genre music songs for patients using a variety of instruments including piano, cello, viola, violin, oboe, flute, and saxophone. Non-identifiable data was collected from patients, clinical nurses, and musicians using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) in several descriptive studies. Responses to five open ended questions assessed perceptions of the therapeutic music. The qualitative data was analyzed using NVivo, a qualitative data analysis computer software, to sort into themes. Results: Majority (92% ) of patients indicated that music was a significant part of their life and 90% indicated that they enjoyed the experience and would participate in the future. Clinical nursing staff and musicians highlighted the benefits of having live music for patients to provide a momentary disruption to the busy ICU environment. Major themes reflected the calming and relaxation effects of music, and the benefits of having live music played by musicians in the ICU. Conclusions: The results suggest that therapeutic music is beneficial in helping to promote a healing environment in the ICU. Additional ongoing research is exploring the impact of different music genres and the ideal exposure “dose” of therapeutic music, as well as the potential to impact patient outcomes including the development of delirium in the ICU.

CLINICAL TRIALS USING MUSIC IN DIVERSE COMMUNITIES OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Music is being integrated into health care services and nonpharmacological treatment options as part of physical health and well-being programs for older adults. When health care professionals and older adult providers try to locate successful programs to initiate, they look to clinicaltrials.gov as a resource to find the most rigorous and robust programs implemented. In large US cities, such as Los Angeles, where there are multiple ethnic populations with specific cultural music interests, it is important to have knowledge of culturally specific interventions in order to create evidence-based programs for multiple community members. The purpose of this review is to analyze music programs and interventions for African American, Asian American, and Latino/Hispanic older adults to better understand emerging best practices. A search of all trials registered in the clinicaltrials.gov was conducted using key words describing these ethnic populations and also the word “music.” Of the 146 studies generated, 15 met the eligibility criteria, with all studies enrolling older adults along with other age groups. Studies were conducted across four regions of the US, 53% in Northeast, 20% South, 13% Midwest, and 13% West. Music interventions for specific medical conditions (20% dementia and 27% other diseases) and mental health/well-being (53%) were the primary foci in studies. Data on intervention types, demographics, and methodology will be presented. Results to date suggest that more research is needed on best practices in music interventions for specific cultural groups and that new approaches would benefit cities and communities, especially in areas with diverse multicultural populations.

The Effect of a Traditional Music Program on Xerostomia and Salivary pH in Nursing Home Residents

The Effect of a Traditional Music Program on Xerostomia and Salivary pH in Nursing Home Residents

Research on the Development of Folk Music in Music Education of Higher Education

This study examines the development of ethnic music education in Chinese higher education, focusing on its current status, challenges, and strategies for improvement. It underscores the importance of ethnic music education in preserving cultural heritage, enhancing musical literacy, and promoting multicultural understanding. Through an analysis of curricula, teaching methods, faculty development, technology integration, and campus cultural activities, the study suggests a comprehensive approach to strengthening ethnic music programs. Key findings include the need for curricula that balance theory and practice, innovative teaching methods (e.g., the master-apprentice model and immersive technologies), and a faculty skilled in both academia and traditional music. The study also highlights the role of modern technology in preserving and sharing ethnic music, as well as the value of diverse campus activities to boost student engagement and cultural awareness. Challenges include curriculum standardization, maintaining authenticity in modern education, and resource limitations. The study concludes that overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between educational institutions, policymakers, and cultural practitioners. Implementing the proposed strategies will help preserve and evolve China’s ethnic musical traditions while preparing students for a globalized cultural landscape.

The Impact of Mindfulness Training in Music Education on Students' Emotional Regulation and Mental Health: An Empirical Study Based on Instrument Sounds, Rhythm, and Movement

This research examines the impacts of combining mindfulness training with music lessons on the emotional regulation, mental health, and attention of high-school students. Across a 12-week course, 100 1518-year-old students were exposed to rhythmic movements, instrumental sounds and mindful movement. Qualitative measures, measured with standardised scales, indicated substantial gains in emotional regulation and stress reduction, with average scores increasing 29.6% for emotional regulation and decreasing 20.2% for stress. Assistiveness scores rose as well by 24.6%, indicating the cognitive impact of the intervention. In student journals, qualitative reporting showed a similar shift towards calmness, self-awareness and community, with students reporting that sessions were an enjoyable break from schoolwork. The short-term effects of the study are promising, but because no follow-up is conducted, we do not know how they will affect longer-term outcomes. Research should investigate how different musical instruments and cultural differences impact mindfulness training across a wide range of educational contexts. These results reveal that mindfulness-based music programmes can promote students mental wellbeing and academic engagement, and provide a holistic solution to well-being in schools.

Movement-based music in the classroom: Investigating the effects of music programs incorporating body movement in primary school children.

Movement-based music in the classroom: Investigating the effects of music programs incorporating body movement in primary school children.

음악과 공동교육과정 운영 교사들의 수업 경험 및 실행 특성에 대한 탐색 - 대전광역시의 사례를 중심으로 -

The purpose of this study is to understand the implementation characteristics of the joint music curriculum of Daejeon and to suggest directions for improvement by exploring teachers' perceptions of the curriculum, learner characteristics, instructional design methods, strengths and improvements of the joint curriculum, and its educational significance. The teachers expressed both satisfaction and time burden through the classes, and they were expected to demonstrate a high level of competency in curriculum restructuring, teaching professionalism, and career guidance. The students enrolled in the course were primarily non-majors, consisting of those exploring the possibility of majoring in music and others who pursued music as a hobby. Although the joint curriculum played an important role as an in-depth music program within public education, issues arose due to the method of inter-school exchange. It was predicted that the program would continue to operate at its current level and scale even after the full implementation of the high school credit system. Based on the research results, this study suggests expanding class operations within working hours, establishing support centers and excellent hub facilities, supporting the development of advanced courses, creating systems to enhance teacher professionalism, and designating regions considering travel distances.

How can Community Music Help Address Loneliness in Contexts of Social Marginalisation? Insights From Two Music for Social Connection Programs.

This study explores how participatory music programs can help build social connection for people experiencing loneliness in contexts of social marginalisation. Loneliness is a growing, global public health issue with social and structural drivers. There is an urgent need to investigate innovative approaches to programming that go beyond opportunities for social contact to address the multiple domains of loneliness. Designed collaboratively with two social sector organisations in an urban context in Australia, this study presents outcomes from two community programs that involved groups of people experiencing or at risk of loneliness engaging in music together. Using a qualitative methodology that included semi-structured and brief interviews, focus groups and ethnographic observation, researchers identified positive shifts in relation to social loneliness (related to social contact), emotional loneliness (related to social bonds and meaningful connections), and existential loneliness (related to community connection and acceptance) for participants of the music programs. This study contributes to an urgent gap in understanding effective programming to support people experiencing loneliness and bolsters emerging evidence about the role arts can play in strengthening health, community and social sector efforts to address inequity.

Self-efficacy in Playing Dayak Music: A Case Study of Blind Students

Blind people who have special needs show that limitations in moving and motor skills require self-confidence in playing music through the practice process. This study aims to analyze the process of achieving self-efficacy in blind students, by describing the process of achieving self-efficacy using Bandura's theory, namely cognitive processes, motivational processes, affective processes, and selection processes. The four processes of achieving self-efficacy show events that occur in individuals that influence situations such as emotional conditions that prioritize themselves rather than the influence of others. This study uses a qualitative approach to case study design with data collection techniques through semi-structured interviews and data analysis using thematic analysis techniques. The results of the study show that the self-efficacy of blind students is born from the support of parents and the campus environment. Parental support is a motivation for him to take music courses. Meanwhile, the campus environment makes him feel that he has social support and success in learning. The findings of this study can be a guide for music educators, music therapists, and policy makers in developing better inclusive music programs to increase confidence in playing music.