ABSTRACT
The chapter also considers the benefits for professional musicians themselves in engaging in education and community engagement programmes. There is a growing awareness of the positive impact that participation in education programmes can have on the personal development, wellbeing, and job satisfaction of classical musicians. Several surveys of orchestral musicians have revealed low levels of job satisfaction. The extra personal artistic expression offered by education and community engagement activities allows musicians to maintain their personal voice in a profession that often requires subjugation of the self in the quest for a cohesive performance.
This chapter looks at programmes that have a specific health and wellbeing focus. Research continues to provide us with fresh insight into the varied ways in which music can significantly improve our health and wellbeing – both physical and mental. The work of orchestral and opera education and community engagement programmes sits at the forefront of experimental work in the field of music, health, and wellbeing.
