Pickard, Beth; Ockelford, Adam; Welch, Graham; (2024) Mapping Music in Education, Social Care, and Health and Wellbeing (MESH) in the UK – West Midlands Pilot Research Project. Live Music Now; Sounds of Intent; Music of Life: Liverpool, UK.

Preview

Text MESH Report, June 2024.pdf - Published Version Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

• Live Music now, Sounds of Intent Charity and Music of Life commissioned a pilot research project because they are aware that there are different musical opportunities available across the country. • Music can be beneficial for health, social and educational reasons. Some people have access to lots of different musical experiences. Some people do not have access to any musical experiences. This is not equitable or fair. • This project explores what musical opportunities are available in the West Midlands Combined Authority. The intention was to develop a map and consider the spread, funding, and nature of these opportunities. • An online survey was open for ten weeks and received 30 unique responses which met the inclusion criteria. The 30 contributors reported on 120 projects. Online interviews were held with three individuals. We are very grateful to all who contributed to the online survey and the informal interviews. • In the small sample, weekly provision from regional organisations was common. There were many musical opportunities for people with learning disabilities and neurodivergence, young people and those experiencing mental health challenges. There were many examples of musical opportunities for large groups. • There was less provision delivered in the social care sector and fewer projects aimed at people experiencing homelessness, substance misuse, people living with dementia, and babies and toddlers. • Almost a third of the contributors’ projects were funded by multiple sources. The commonest funding source was trusts and foundations, followed by earned revenue (full cost paid or part subsidised). • Not all contributors collected evaluation data, and less contributors collected impact data than evaluation data. Some contributors had very rigorous evaluation and impact processes. • Three case studies showed contrasting perspectives. Some projects could readily be scaled up if there were more funding available. Other organisations are intentionally very local and would not be interested to grow to a national level. Some projects would benefit from having greater awareness of other musical opportunities in the area and a professional network. • While the research doesn’t show all musical opportunities that exists, there is some valuable learning about the potential to connect local projects and share good practice to inform and develop practice in other regions. • Connecting back to other research and initiatives about music for social change, this project agrees with the need for a joined up approach so that information and insights are shared and resources pooled to advocate for fairer access to musical opportunities.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONCSVXML

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as XMLCSVJSON

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as XMLCSVJSON

Archive Staff Only

View Item