ABSTRACT
While the main benefits of active participation in making music relate to social and personal well-being, there is increasingly compelling evidence that active music making can impact on physical and psychological health and a range of cognitive functions. Participation in a wide range of musical activities provides a source of enhanced social cohesion, enjoyment, personal development, and empowerment for older people supporting group identity, collaborative learning, friendship, social support, a sense of belonging, enhanced subjective well-being, and access to new social roles and relationships (e.g., Allison, 2008; Langston, 2011; Lehmberg & Fung, 2010; Southcott, 2009; Wood, 2010). Music making contributes to psychological well-being alleviating loneliness and supporting older people in coping with the challenges of aging, providing opportunities for progression and enjoyment, and adding meaning to life (e.g., Forssen, 2007; Hays & Minichiello, 2005; Lehmberg and Fung, 2010; Saarikallio, 2011). It can provide a sense of contentment, satisfaction, and peace (Hays & Minichiello, 2005), reduce anxiety and depression, and foster positive moods and emotions and decline in subjective well-being (e.g., Gembris, 2008; Lally, 2009; Morrison & Clift, 2012b; Sandgren, 2009).
