Institute for Music and Health

Music Outreach Programs have an important role for schools. The basic idea is very simple: to teach groups of students old-time songs and take them into places like nursing homes to sing them with seniors.  The basic goal is for the students to bring out the music inside the seniors by encouraging them to participate.  This is achieved by training  the students to interact with residents while singing, for instance, holding their hands and dancing with them.

By emphasizing the making of music to help others, Music Outreach has a potential to impact childrens’ lives and social values while nurturing their love for and ability in music. What’s more, the approach has universal applicability. As the emphasis is on enhancing the lives of others first, and musical excellence second, every child is able to use music in this way. No special musical talent or experience is required.

Music Outreach benefits students by encouraging:
Enhanced socialization through altruistic music-making;
A broad appreciation for music’s altruistic purpose and therapeutic function;
An appreciation of the needs of others and common bonds of humanity;
A positive self-image based on a meaningful contribution and the non-judgmental acceptance of others;
Their natural love of music and singing.

Music Outreach Programs nurture musical talent by:
Encouraging musical confidence and diminishing stage-fright;
Helping with the development of aural skills;
Helping with memorization skills;
Encouraging confidence in singing and the student’s belief in his significance as a musician;
Encouraging “Natural Musicianship.”

As well as running Music Outreach Programs in schools, we train staff to run their own programs. This is a cost-effective way of integrating Music Outreach permanently into the school curriculum.

The Canberra Hand-in-Hand Program
The approach is used extensively in Canberra, Australia, where it has transformed music education. Read more.