Music for mental health

Humans are not built to live in isolation. We move within social circles whether we choose them or not, from our families and work colleagues to our friends and music groups – and yet we are now in self isolation. Last year’s major report from the World Health Organisation led by Dr Daisy Fancourt is part of a growing evidence base that shows that shared arts activities actively improve our mental health and wellbeing, while loneliness and social isolation increase health risks.

Being in a music group in particular does many things for our mental health. In one study (Evolutionary Psychology: an international journey of evolutionary approaches to psychology and behaviour, 2012), researchers found that participants who performed singing, drumming, and dancing together had a higher pain threshold (therefore increased endorphin release in the brain) than if they just listened to music alone. Performing music together resulted in greater positive emotion, making people feel closer to one another.

Group identity can also be built around music. In a series of studies (Unravelling the mystery of music: Music as an evolved group process, 2013) researchers found that the extent to which a person reacts to music is tied to a sense of belonging to a group, positive associations with group members, bias towards people outside the group, and responses to group threat in various populations.

In a social cohesion study (Lost in the Rhythm: Effects of Rhythm on Subsequent Interpersonal Coordination, 2015), those who listened to rhythmic music finished collaborative tasks more efficiently than those who listened to the other types of sounds, suggesting that rhythm in music promotes behaviours that are linked to social cohesion.

However, the social value of belonging to a music group is perhaps greater still for mental wellbeing. We conducted a survey of our members shortly before the UK government brought in coronavirus lockdown measures (see p.6). Members have had to cancel all their activities, and when we asked how they felt about this, we received a wave of emotional responses.

Many of the comments echoed that: ‘[It’s] devastating to face not meeting and singing with our musical family for so many weeks.’ Not to mention all the hard work that had gone into preparing for performances: ‘… Members were visibly upset at not seeing friends and performing after working so hard on this concert’s repertoire.’ Many groups were extremely concerned about, ‘The loss of community as many members are older or live alone.’ Others talked about the fact that they are rurally located, and the music group gives their community a focal point. One said, quite simply: ‘Our events give us a reason to exist and are sociable outings.’

This response shows that rather than being a regular activity that’s forgotten about in between times, music groups play a crucial part in people’s happiness and wellbeing.

Even before the lockdown has ended there has been talk of the devastating impact that the global pandemic is having on the population’s mental health. So it’s more important than ever that music groups act now to keep in touch with their members. Small gestures from a chat on Zoom to a practice CD in the post can bring a little light into someone’s day. Making Music has created some resources to give ideas and practical advice to groups on how they can keep in touch with their members online and offline in a variety of ways – not just musically but socially too. Visit: makingmusic.org.uk/stayconnected