Patrick Cooper: “The Effects of Music Participation on Social and Emotional Measures Across the Lifespan”

Patrick Cooper, Florida International University (USA):

“The Effects of Music Participation on Social and Emotional Measures Across the Lifespan”

The purpose of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to measure the overall mean effect of music participation on social and emotional measures in participants across the lifespan. Results showed small to medium overall effects, indicating subjects who participated in music had better scores on social and emotional measures compared with those participating in other activities (such as sports) or no other activities (passive control group). Moderator analysis showed no statistical differences across seven moderators. Results did not differ by age of the participants, type of scale used (social or emotional), research design (cross-sectional or experimental), presence of an active or passive control group, if the study was located at a school site or elsewhere (such as a town community center), length of the intervention, or the type of musical activities experienced by the participants (singing, instrumental, or both). Overall, the results suggest that the social and emotional benefits of participating in musical activities transcend age and type of music making. The utility of music participation as a conduit of social or emotional growth is empirically supported.

Dr. Patrick K. Cooper serves an assistant professor of music education at Florida International University. He teaches courses in research, curriculum development, philosophy, and creativity. He holds degrees in music education from Arizona State University (B.M., M.M.) and University of South Florida (Ph.D.). Winner of the 2015 “Outstanding Emerging Researcher Award” from the Center for Music Education Research, his research interests capture the intersection of creativity, inclusion, and performance.