Music, singing and wellbeing

There is a strong case for local authorities, trusts and foundations to continue supporting music and singing activities which enhance and maintain subjective wellbeing in adults. 

There is a particularly strong case to support participatory music and singing programmes which can help to maintain wellbeing and prevent isolation, depression and mental ill health in older adult age groups. 

Trusts and foundations, or any organisation funding music and singing projects, can play an important role in developing the evidence base. This can be done by supporting and evaluating activities where there is less evidence – for example, projects for young offenders or marginalised groups – to better understand the impact.

This body of work includes three systematic reviews of the wellbeing outcomes of music and singing in adults and the processes by which wellbeing outcomes are achieved across:

1. healthy adults;
2. adults living with diagnosed conditions;
3. adults living with dementia.

It also includes further supporting analysis as well as summary briefings.