Singing Program Research Articles

ParkinSong Online: Feasibility of Telehealth Delivery and Remote Data Collection for a Therapeutic Group Singing Study in Parkinson’s

Background Parkinson’s disease can negatively affect vocal functioning and social wellbeing, particularly in the latter stages of disease progression. Face-to-face group singing interventions can improve communication and wellbeing outcomes, yet not all people can access in-person sessions. To help overcome barriers to participation, exploration of the feasibility and utility of online therapeutic singing programs is needed. Objectives To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week ParkinSong Online intervention on speech and wellbeing for people with Parkinson’s disease. Methods A total of 28 participants with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease were recruited to a single-arm feasibility study. Weekly 90-minute online sessions were co-facilitated by a music therapist and speech pathologist. Speech and wellbeing assessments were conducted pre and post intervention. Participant and facilitator surveys were administered after each session, with focus group interviews at the end of the program. Results The recruitment rate was high (90%) with no attrition, adverse events, or safety issues. There was good intervention fidelity, attendance (average 89%), and positive participant experience. Feasibility was good, with technology reported as the main challenge (connecting and navigating Zoom). No improvements were seen in voice measures or wellbeing outcomes in this small trial. The online format used in this study did not provide the same benefits as in-person ParkinSong sessions. Conclusions ParkinSong Online is feasible for recreational purposes and social engagement provided that people have adequate technological knowledge or support. The optimal online delivery format to achieve communication improvements in Parkinson’s awaits confirmation.

Cancer Survivors’ Resilience During COVID-19 and Virtual Community-Based Choral Singing: A Feasibility Study

Abstract The study aimed to determine the study feasibility of a weekly virtual community-based choral singing program and to explore the impact of weekly choral singing on resilience, anxiety, and benefit finding in cancer survivors. Six participants were recruited from the Survivorship Choir (SC), led by a board-certified music therapist and affiliated with a cancer center. Study participants attended their standard 90-minute rehearsals, which were conducted virtually because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Researchers followed participants over eight weeks, collecting data at weeks one and eight. Five self-report instruments were used and included a researcher-designed Demographic Form. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) is a 10-item questionnaire assessing participants’ resilience. The PROMIS: Emotional Distress-Anxiety Scale measured participants’ anxiety levels, and the Carver Benefit Finding Scale assessed participants’ benefit finding levels. The participant Feedback Form, designed by the researchers, assessed the study’s feasibility and effectiveness. High attendance and completion rates demonstrated the study’s feasibility. Choral singing led to a statistically significant increase in resilience (W = 0.00, p = .036, rrb = -1.00) between baseline (M = 28.33, SD = 7.20) and week 8 (M = 33.83, SD = 4.88), demonstrating a large effect. While not significant, anxiety and benefit finding trended in a desirable direction with large effects. The present study format was feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed that community-based choral singing, even in a virtual format, may positively affect cancer survivorship by increasing resilience and benefit finding and alleviating anxiety.

Singing for People with Advance Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

Rationale: Although there remains insufficient evidence regarding singing programs as effective strategies for achieving clinically significant health outcomes, this non-pharmacological intervention appears to be subjectively low-risk and well-tolerated by people with advanced chronic respiratory diseases (CRD). Objective: This study sought to examine and synthesize the current qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of participating in singing for breathing programs by people with advanced CRD. Methods: A meta-synthesis of qualitative data was conducted. Electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE) were searched for published qualitative studies reporting the effects of singing programs for adults with advanced CRD and their carers. Primary qualitative data were extracted and analysed, which generated descriptive and analytical themes. Results: Themes identified from seven included studies were: anticipation and reluctance to participate; physical and psychological benefits; new sense of purpose and enjoyment; social connection and achievement; and broad views regarding program structure and content. The themes highlighted changing perspectives before, during and after engaging in the singing program, as participants transitioned from initial anxiety to mastery of their chronic condition as the singing program progressed. Participants, however, raised concerns regarding several singing technicalities, the lack of ongoing support after the singing programs’ conclusion and the social impacts of transitioning the sessions online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: This meta-synthesis highlights the positive experiences of people with CRD who participate in singing for breathing programs. Further research, including longitudinal qualitative studies, can provide insight into the acceptability and feasibility of singing programs and inform the broader implementation of the intervention.

SingStrong – singing for better lung health in pulmonary fibrosis: A feasibility study

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a debilitating, incurable disease. Strategies to optimise health-related quality of life and minimise symptom impact are advocated. Available treatment options such as pulmonary rehabilitation have been severely disrupted due to COVID-19. This feasibility study explored the clinical efficacy and acceptability of an online singing and breathing retraining programme (SingStrong) for people with PF. METHODS: The weekly online programme conducted over 12 weeks was comprised of 45-minute classes of mindfulness, breathing retraining, vocal exercises and singing conducted by a trained vocal coach. People with PF were invited to participate and sessions were recorded for non-attenders. Demographic data were collected, and the St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Idiopathic PF Patient Reported Outcome measure (IPF-PROM) were administered. The questionnaire also invited participants to provide feedback on the utility, enjoyability and main pros/cons of the intervention. Participation in the research element of the programme was not required to attend the weekly classes. RESULTS: Of 24 participants recruited, data from 15 (mean (Standard Deviation) age of 66 (8.7); male: n = 8) who completed both pre and post-intervention questionnaires were analysed. Statistically significant improvements were recorded in the IPF-PROM (p = 0.019) and self-reported quality of life (p = 0.028). Class attendance by study participants and the broader PF group cumulatively, increased from 14 to 25 participants between weeks 1 and 12. Qualitatively, strong satisfaction with classes and improved efficacy in self-management of lung health, in particular breathlessness, were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Singing and breathing retraining interventions may endow biopsychosocial benefits for people with PF, in the presence of modest objective clinical gains. Singing programmes are popular and may provide helpful adjuncts to existing clinical strategies such as pulmonary rehabilitation.

An exploration into online singing and mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with anxiety and/or depression

It is reported that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on increasing mental health problems and exacerbating existing mental health conditions. The aim was to explore the potential of an online singing and mindfulness programme for people with anxiety and/or depression. Seven participants were socially prescribed to a nine-week programme of online singing and mindfulness delivered by the practitioner-researcher. Participants completed the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and WEMWBS (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) at baseline and after the sessions. Participants kept journals and completed a questionnaire after the programme. Field notes were kept. Data were triangulated to form themes for discussion. Participants reported positive impacts on their wellbeing. The programme offered a safe space to connect with others; build confidence; break down barriers and to feel both relaxed and energized. Online singing and mindfulness may provide an effective ‘gateway’ into face-to-face activities for those experiencing barriers to engagement.

Small music programs for mental health and well-being: an evaluation framework

While there is growing interest in the intersection of music and health, current scientific literature in this field often lacks the rigor and strength of studies grounded in quantitative research. Also, a lack of framework to organize data decentralizes the information. The broad definition and subjective nature of music makes it difficult to design evaluations that would yield strong evidence to support the holistic benefits on well-being. This paper proposes a three-category framework to organize raw data to trace the interactions and interlinked nature of the effects of participating in group music activities. The proposed method was used to evaluate two choirs in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), UK: the Sing to Live, Live to Sing in 2016, a singing program based in community centers across RBKC, and the GLUE Sings program, an adolescent music-making and singing program piloted by the Tabernacle W11 in 2018 to increase community engagement and participation after the 2017 Grenfell Fire. Both programs were found to better the holistic well-being of their respective participants. While the framework is useful in these evaluations, future research would benefit even more through utilizing mixed methodologies and increasing collaboration amongst funders, researchers, and program managers.

ВИРТУАЛЬНЫЙ АРТИСТ. VOCALOID И ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТ ПО ЕГО ВОСПРИЯТИЮ

Over the past decade the voice synthesiser Vocaloid has gained great popularity in Japan. Critics debate on whether Vocaloid can be called a new musical instrument and if its creation marks a new era in (Japanese) popular music. The unique characteristic of a Vocaloid is its Alter Ego, its “virtual shape”, which is illustrated like common anime or manga characters such as Sailor Moon or Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne, thus owning not just a name but also human-like features. It was due to the use of avatar images that Vocaloid managed to spread across the world via the internet. The most famous anthropomorphic singer is called Hatsune Miku and is known for her long turquoise-coloured hair tied up in two ponytails. Being the uncrowned princess of Nico Nico Douga—the Japanese equivalent of YouTube, Miku opened up the pathway for even more Vocaloids like Luka Megurine or Rin and Len Kagamine. The contiguity of the new creating type to the “screen arts” is maintained by its own existence in the sphere of digital media. This new phenomenon is not very known in Europe, so the question on the principles of its existence is a vital one to discuss. Furthermore, we shall test how its music and appearance are perceived by people who do not belong to the fandom. How does a Non-Japanese listener react to a musical performance done by a computer program? One of the first answers to this question can be found in a study, which was conducted at the Martin-Luther-University in Halle (Saale), Germany. It focused on the reactions of the listeners. Although Europeans do not show as much interest in artificial intelligence as the Japanese, the test subjects showed great sympathy towards the singing program. The essay’s content is divided into four parts. It begins with a contemplation of Vocaloids sociological aspects (1), followed by the introduction of a selfproduced classification of its performances (2) and continues with an explanation on how the experimental research was conducted (3). The last part contains a summarised presentation of the results and a perspective on future research (4). The authors claim this research to be one of the very first tries to shed light on how the popularity of this new musical phenomenon can be explained.

Feasibility of Synchronous Videoconferencing Interactive Singing Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder During COVID-19

Feasibility of Synchronous Videoconferencing Interactive Singing Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder During COVID-19

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ МЕТОДИКИ НАВЧАННЯ ЦЕРКОВНОМУ СПІВУ У КИЇВСЬКІЙ ЄПАРХІЇ (ХІХ – ПОЧАТОК ХХ СТОЛІТТЯ)

The article analyzes the church press publications of the XIX – early XX century, which contains information about the methods of teaching church singing. It is shown, that church singing was an important subject of the students' curriculum of the parochial schools, the most common type of schools. It is noted, that Kyiv eparchy periodicals contain a number of publications on the importance of teaching church singing, on the church singing program for parochial schools, on the problems of training singing teachers, on manuals on singing lessons in primary schools. The magazine's publications about the methods of teaching church singing to students of public schools are analyzed in more detail. Especially, there are many notes on this topic, which are published in the magazine "Parochial School". The church periodical press is a very informative source for the study of primary schoolish in the second half of the XIX – early XX century. These publications contribute to the deepening study of church singing in general, in the cultural and educational role of the Orthodox Church. The identification and systematization of publications in the church periodicals of the Kyiv eparchy made it possible to show that the church and school administration paid close attention to teaching church singing. The press noted that the church singing has an irreparable religious and moral impact on the pupils' souls, since in general, in the form of church chants, children are more easily remember church truths and prayers. The church singing provides a sensual and emotional perception of worship. The peculiarities of the methodology of teaching children singing in parochial schools are highlighted: it is also described how the teacher taught the lesson, and what methods and techniques he used. The used teaching literature is indicated. The recommendations of the methodologists of the XIX - beginning of the XX century. The practical significance of this scientific research lies in contributions to the source expansion for the study of church schoolish and the role of the Church in the history and culture of Ukraine.

Singing as an adjunct therapy for children and adults with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetically inherited, life-threatening condition that affects major organs. The management of cystic fibrosis involves a multi-faceted daily treatment regimen that includes airway clearance techniques, pancreatic enzymes and other medications. Previous studies have found that compliance with this intensive treatment is poor, especially among adolescents. Because of both the nature and consequences of the illness and the relentless demands of the treatment, many individuals with cystic fibrosis have a poor quality of life. Anecdotal reports suggest that singing may provide both appropriate exercise for the whole respiratory system and a means of emotional expression which may enhance quality of life. This is an update of a previously published review. To evaluate the effects of singing as an adjunct therapy to standard treatment on the quality of life, morbidity, respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function of children and adults with cystic fibrosis. We searched the Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Date of latest search: 07 January 2019.We also searched major allied complementary data bases, and clinical trial registers. Additionally, we handsearched relevant conference proceedings and journals. Date of latest search: 28 March 2019. Randomised controlled trials in which singing (as an adjunct intervention) is compared with either a control intervention (for example, playing computer games or doing craft activities) or no singing in people with cystic fibrosis. Results of searches were reviewed against pre-determined criteria for inclusion. Only one eligible trial was available for analysis. Since only one small study (n = 40) was included, no meta-analysis could be performed. The included randomised controlled study was of parallel design and undertaken at two paediatric hospitals in Australia. The study evaluated the effects of a singing program on the quality of life and respiratory muscle strength of hospitalised children with cystic fibrosis (mean age 11.6 years, 35% male). While the singing group received eight individual singing sessions, the control group participated in preferred recreational activities, such as playing computer games or watching movies. This study was limited by a small sample size (51 participants)anda high drop-out rate (21%).There were no differences between the groups at either post-intervention or follow-up; although by the end of treatment there were some improvements in some of the domains of the quality of life questionnaire Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (e.g. emotional, social and vitality domains) for both singing and control groups. For the respiratory muscle strength indices, maximal expiratory pressure at follow-up (six to eight weeks post-intervention) was higher in the singing group, mean difference 25.80 (95% confidence interval 5.94 to 45.66). There was no difference between groups for any of the other respiratory function parameters (maximal inspiratory pressure, spirometry) at either post-intervention or follow-up. No adverse effects were observed in the singing group; adverse events for the control group were not reported in the paper. There is insufficient evidence to determine the effects of singing on quality of life or on the respiratory parameters in people with cystic fibrosis. However, there is growing interest in non-medical treatments for cystic fibrosis and researchers may wish to investigate the impact of this inexpensive therapy on respiratory function and psychosocial well-being further in the future.

РОЗВИТОК ХОРОВОГО МУЗИКУВАННЯ У ДУХОВНИХ УЧИЛИЩАХ ПОДІЛЬСЬКОЇ ЄПАРХІЇ КІНЦЯ ХІХ СТОЛІТТЯ

Мета роботи полягає в розкритті особливостей навчання церковного співу в духовних училищах на території Подільської єпархії. Визначена важливість значення викладання церковного співу в духовних училищах та його вплив на релігійне виховання. Проаналізовані основні положення викладання церковного співу на основі положення С. Миропольського (Учбовий кабінет при священному Синоді). Методологія дослідження базується на джерелознавчому методі, який був задіяний при дослідженні системи викладання церковного співу на основі архівних матеріалів. При вивченні особливостей навчання співу в духовних училищах Подільської єпархії був використаний дидактичний метод, який дозволяє провести більш детальний аналіз програм викладання предмету. Наукова новизна полягає в оприлюдненні матеріалів з архівних фондів, систематизації та узагальненні основних положень хорового виховання на основі вивчення програм церковного співу в духовних училищах для юнаків (Шаргородське, Тульчинське, Тиврівське та Приворотське), а також Кам’янець-Подільському та Тульчинському училищах для дівиць духовного звання. Висновки. Результати дослідження програм з церковного співу, їх прикладне значення дозволяють зробити висновок про те, що рівень хорового виконавства у чоловічих і жіночих духовних навчальних закладах був досить високим, адже училищні хори повинні супроводжувати богослужіння, а випускники цих закладів мали самостійно вчителювати і бути керівниками шкільних хорових колективів. Основу їх репертуару також складали літургійні твори, зокрема й партесні. Прикладом професійного навчання хоровому співу і плідного функціонування хорового колективу може слугувати Тульчинське єпархіальне училище для дівчат.

Effects of group singing versus group music listening on hospitalized children and adolescents with mental disorders: A pilot study

BackgroundThere is an emerging view that music-related interventions (MuRI) may play an important role for youth with mental disorders. Here, we assessed the potential neuroendocrine (cortisol), immune (IgA) and psychological (mood state, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), well-being) efficacy of a brief program of MuRI (group singing versus group music listening) in children and adolescents with mental disorders in a clinical setting. MethodsWe performed this observational pilot study with 17 patients (aged 11–18; 11 female) admitted to the Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/PMU Salzburg, Austria between March 2015 and April 2016. Patients participated in either a singing program or a music listening program, delivered through five daily, consecutive 45-minute sessions in one week. OutcomesSaliva samples for cortisol and IgA, and subjective measures of mood were taken daily, pre- and post-MuRI. HRQOL and well-being were measured pre- and post-5-day-program of MuRI. The program in singing led to a significantly larger mean drop in cortisol than in music listening (mean difference: −0·32; 95% CI −0·57 to −0·07), while listening led to a significantly higher mean positive change in the dimension calmness (mean difference: −2·66, 95%CI −4·99 to −0·33) than singing. Moreover, singing was associated with an improvement in HRQOL, and listening with an improvement in well-being. InterpretationOur preliminary findings suggest that MuRI may provide benefits for children and adolescents with mental disorders. The differences in psychobiological responses to singing and music listening invite further investigations. A larger, suitably powered study is now needed to provide a precise estimate of the effects of MuRI for mental health promotion, both on psychological and biological experiences. Funding: Salzburg Festival, Austria, and Focus Area ‘Science and Art’, Salzburg, Austria.

Development and Implementation of Jazz Chord's Sight Singing and Ear Training Program Through the Shape of Musical Intervals

Development and Implementation of Jazz Chord's Sight Singing and Ear Training Program Through the Shape of Musical Intervals

Individual Therapeutic Singing Program for Vocal Quality and Depression in Parkinson's Disease.

ObjectivePatients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) frequently experience depression associated with voice problems. Singing involves the use of similar muscles and the neural networks associated with vocal function and emotional response. The purpose of this study is to enhance vocal quality and depressive symptoms of patients with PD using individual singing program.MethodsThe Individual Therapeutic Singing Program for PD (ITSP-PD) was conducted by a certified music therapist. In total, nine PD patients with a subjective voice problem or depression participated in 6 sessions over 2 weeks. We measured the Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) via the Praat test, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).ResultsIn total, 8 out of 9 patients completed all the sessions; 6 out of 8 patients participated in the follow-up test after 6 months. A statistically significant change in MPT (P = 0.011) was observed between the pre- and post-tests. The VHI (P = 0.035) and the GDS (P = 0.018) were significantly lower in the post-test. In the pre-, post-, and follow-up tests, the MPT (P = 0.030), V-RQOL (P = 0.008), and GDS (P = 0.009) were significantly changed.ConclusionThe ITSP-PD based on neurological singing therapy for PD showed therapeutic possibility for vocal function and depression in patients with PD. Our findings suggest the need for a randomized study to examine the continuing positive effects of the ITSP-PD over a longer period of time.

Development and progression of group cohesiveness in a singing programme for people with post stroke aphasia: an evaluation study using video analysis

Background: As well as difficulties in language function, many people with post stroke aphasia report problems with psychosocial health, including reduced social participation and social isolation,...

Estudo experimental: Impacto de grupos de canto no bem-estar subjetivo de seniores

ObjetivoAvaliar o impacto da participação num programa de canto no bem-estar subjetivo (BES) de seniores.MétodoO presente estudo, com metodologia experimental, utilizou medidas estruturadas das dimensões afetiva e cognitiva do BES (Afeto Positivo e Negativo – PANAS – e Satisfação com a Vida - SWLS) e entrevistas semiestruturadas para testar o impacto de um programa de canto de curta duração (10 sessões, durante cinco semanas), no BES de um grupo de seniores, com idades entre 61 e 92 anos, num centro de dia. Trinta seniores aceitaram participar no programa de canto e foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (experimental e de controlo), sendo que 26 participantes no total terminaram a intervenção nos dois grupos (quatro homens, 15.3%; 22 mulheres, 84.6%; M = 75 anos de idade).ResultadosObservou-se um decréscimo significativo do nível de afeto negativo no grupo experimental, após a intervenção, que foi significativamente inferior ao do grupo de controlo. No entanto, este efeito não se manteve na medida de follow-up, oito semanas após a intervenção. Numa análise qualitativa à perceção dos indivíduos sobre a sua participação no programa indicou benefícios na interação e apoio social entre os seniores, na expressão de emoções positivas e em novas aprendizagens.ConclusãoOs resultados sugerem que programas de grupos de canto podem promover variáveis de BES.

The More We Get Together, The More We Learn: Focus on Intergenerational and Collaborative Learning Through Singing

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the conceptual and practical frameworks necessary to foster vibrant and equal learning opportunities for young children and elders through intergenerational singing programs. The paper focuses on the affordances necessary to create authentic and transformative learning environments for both generations, including the need for knowledgeable, insightful, and informed leadership, the development of a curriculum with specific outcomes for each generation, attention to curriculum planning, implementation, and ease of access to the program, to the curriculum, to each other, and to the venue. The benefits of learning through intergenerational singing extend well beyond the vibrancy of lifelong learning and improved singing, and include the mutual, reciprocal, and valued friendships between the younger and older participants that develop during such programs; observations of the incremental confidence that each generation acquires during the program; awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for growth, aging, and death; and better health such as improved mobility, less stress, and increased breath support.

Experiences of Persons With Parkinson's Disease Engaged in Group Therapeutic Singing.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to altered neural control of movement, including the control of voice, respiration, and swallowing. There is a prevalent need to provide therapy for voice, respiration, and swallowing difficulties because current pharmacological and surgical treatments do not effectively treat these impairments. Previous research has demonstrated that singing may be a treatment option to target voice, respiratory, and swallowing impairments, as well as quality of life. However, participants' perspectives related to reasons for enrolling and engaging in programs as well as evaluation of singing programs have been neglected. The purpose of this descriptive study was thus to solicit participants' views of their involvement in a group singing intervention (GSI) led by credentialed music therapists. Twenty persons with PD were interviewed 4 to 6 months after completing the singing intervention. Participants were asked about 1) why they chose to participate, 2) what were the beneficial and non-beneficial aspects of participating, and 3) how to improve overall design and delivery of the GSI. Using content analysis procedures, we learned that participants regarded their involvement in the study as mutually beneficial, fun, and engaging. Participants appreciated the fellowship with other persons with PD and offered minimal constructive criticism. This study provided greater insight into how a therapeutic singing program may benefit participants and positively impact their lives.

Community singing groups for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: participant perspectives.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health issue which is irreversible and progressive, but previous research suggests that singing may have beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to establish the views of participants with COPD taking part in a singing for better breathing programme. This was a descriptive qualitative study nested within a single-cohort feasibility study which included measures of lung function and wellbeing. Participants ( n = 37) were interviewed following a community singing programme that ran over 10 months in South East England. Findings support those from previous studies regarding the impact of singing on respiratory wellbeing. These included the teaching on breath control, relaxation and the breathing exercises, singing as a means to deflect attention away from breathing problems, leading to increased activity levels and the mutual support for respiratory problems. Beyond the impact on breathing, the singing was also seen as fun, and provided friendship and a 'feel-good' factor which led to motivation to participate in further activities. For some, it was the highlight of the week, and singing together in a group was felt to be central to the benefits experienced. Findings are compared with the quantitative measures within the same study. The majority of participants reported improvements in respiratory symptoms as well as mental and social wellbeing following the programme. The study contributes to the evidence base in supporting and highlighting the consistently positive experiences of a large sample of participants, despite variable outcomes in clinical measures.

The effects of musical activities on the self-esteem of displaced children in Colombia

This article presents some of the results of a research project undertaken in a school located in a deprived neighbourhood of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. The project investigated the effects of musical experiences on 6- to 8-year-olds’ social and musical development by means of a mixed-methods approach involving the children, their parents and teachers. The project comprised three studies, and this article reports the results of the first, an experimental intervention study which was carried out with two groups of 52 children. The experimental group followed an 18-week music programme of singing workshops involving Colombian traditional songs and musical improvisation, whereas the control group had no such musical programme. Harter’s (1999) Perceived Competence Scale for Children was administered before and after the 18-week singing programme to assess its effects on the children’s self-esteem. Analysis revealed that musical activities had a significant impact on children’s self-esteem, and especially upon its cognitive component. These results are of crucial importance in the context of forced displacement in the Colombian population as a result of violence.