The role of arts and cultural programmes on young people’s mental health and wellbeing – a research digest

The latest research digest from the Centre for Cultural Value explores the role of arts and cultural programmes on young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Music education scheme a success in Dundee

Researchers from the University of Dundee have evaluated the impact of the Big Noise Douglas (BND) programme in the city and found that ‘BND is having positive impacts on children, families and the community’.

Music lessons enhance executive functions in 6- to 7-year-old children

Researchers in Germany have found that instrumental music lessons have an impact on specific executive functions in children.

Formal string instrument training enhances the cognitive development of primary school children

Researchers from the University of Geneva and Université de Lausanne in Switzerland have found that formal, intensive, musical instrument training in a group setting in primary schools can enhance their cognitive development.

Children who regularly play a musical instrument have better memory and attention span

Neuroscientists in Chile have found new evidence that learning to play a musical instrument may be good for the brain.

Even minimal creative activity, like making music, boosts wellbeing

A three-part study, commissioned by BBC Arts, of nearly 49,000 people found that regardless of skill level, taking part in creative activities like making music helps people manage their emotions, build confidence and explore solutions to problems.

ArtsTrain music scheme improved deprived children’s creativity and wellbeing

The impact of an ArtsTrain music making programme has been highlighted in a new evaluation report.

Rhythm-based music programme helps pre-school children control their impulsive responses

Researchers in Germany have found that a rhythm-based music programme helped pre-school children control one of their executive functions: their impulsive responses.

Music for Education & Wellbeing Podcast: Young people, music mentoring and digital stories – Simon Glenister, Noise Solution

In this new podcast, Anita Holford, co-editor of Music Education Works, is talking with Simon Glenister, Director of Noise Solution, a social enterprise based in Bury

Music for Education & Wellbeing Podcast: Dr Simon Procter on music therapy & community music

A new podcast by Anita Holford, co-editor of Music Education Works, features Dr Simon Procter, Director of Music Services (Education, Research and Public Affairs) for Nordoff Robbins, the national music therapy charity.

Early years music can help close the attainment gap for young people with complex needs

The recently launched ‘Sounds of Intent in the Early Years’ research report provides powerful evidence that every child should have the right to access music.

Music for Education & Wellbeing Podcast: Dr Anita Collins on music & the brain

A new podcast by Anita Holford, co-editor of Music Education Works, features Australian music educator and researcher, Dr Anita Collins. You may know Anita from her TED Ed lesson, How playing an instrument benefits your brain, and her TEDx talk, What if every child had access to music education from birth? And more recently, she’s starred in the Australian version of a British TV show, ‘Don’t Stop the Music’.