By understanding the impact of music we can use it most effectively to support emotional well-being and enhance quality of life.

What you need

• A sound system and access to music– preferably good quality
• A list of songs or pieces of music to play
• Somewhere to write down or type your findings

Guidance and instructions

1. Ensure that the person is comfortable and positioned so that they can hear the music best.
2. Observe to see how the person is before playing the music and record your observations if you can. Use these observations to help you decide which piece of music might be most appreciated. Involve the person as much as possible in the decision.
3. Observe responses during and after the music is played and record your observations.
4. Consider whether the person’s experience of music is affected by how others around them respond and behave e.g. if carers are dancing and singing along, does the person respond to the carer’s enthusiasm rather than specifically to the piece of music being played?
5. Try playing the same music at different volumes and at different times of the day and observe whether there are differences in reactions.
6. You can also repeat these steps with different music. 
7. From what you have learnt about preferences and the effects that music has, you may be able to have a go at creating playlists for different emotions and various purposes. 
8. If the person has hearing loss it is useful to know where in the range they are hearing so that you can provide music within their hearing range. E.g. if unable to hear low notes then music with flutes or violins may be heard better, or if high frequencies are more difficult to hear then music with a powerful base may have more impact. If prescribed hearing aids, do ensure that they are being worn and remember to check the batteries.  

What to observe, assess and record

• How is the person prior to the music being played?
• How do they respond while the music is being played? Did you notice any changes? 
• Does the music appear to change a mood or set a new mood?
• Does it appear to make the person feel better or worse?
• Is it a certain style of music that is liked or disliked or helpful or unhelpful, or is it a certain artist?
• Could any effects have been in response to other people’s reactions and interaction? (Remember that it is possible for a reaction to be felt internally but not be observable.)
• Do you think that the person would like to listen to the piece of music again and if so, in what situations?
• Has this given you any ideas about other pieces of music the person might like to experience?

Contributor

© Julie Calveley, PhD, BSc(Hons) Psychology, BSc(Hons) Nursing, Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse, NAC Founder and Director

Email: [email protected]

Created October 2020