Page 30 - IJPS-9-3

International Journal of
Population Studies Re-conceptualizing music education

not directly result in a more significant improvement in
health and well-being, the collective bonding experienced
by choir participants “predicted increased flourishing,
reduced anxiety and improved physical health” (p. 518).
This reinforced earlier studies where, for example, Perkins
& Williamon (2014) reported social connection to be
one mechanism by which music learning could support
enhanced well-being, and Varvarigou et al. (2013) reported
that seniors experienced feelings of rejuvenation attributed
to their participation in intergenerational songwriting and
musical performance.

Figure 4. Higher-order conceptual themes. Numbers indicate the number 3.4.2. Musical engagement as a space for self-
of papers communicating each of the five themes. The numbers do not fulfillment
add up to 68, as some papers conveyed more than one of the five higher- Thirty-eight of the retained studies explored and discussed
order conceptual themes.
how music learning and participation in later adulthood
social interaction and an ensuing sense of belonging and may be experienced as a space for self-fulfillment. In
connection are critical contributing factors to the positive contrast to the first higher-order theme concerned with
quality of life benefits attributed to singing together. Social social connection, the second theme focuses on the
connection manifested as friendship, mutual respect, individual level. It involves lifelong learning, exploration,
companionship, spiritual connection, a sense of belonging, or rediscovery of musical identity, aesthetic experience,
and acceptance has likewise been described by participants and personal development. For example, community
in choirs researched by Kaynak (2018), Lee et al. (2016), choral singing among adults aged 60–90 has reportedly
and Joseph & Southcott (2014; 2015; 2017; 2018), Joseph fostered a sense of personal validation, purpose, fulfillment,
et al., 2018; Li & Southcott, 2018; Southcott & Nethsinghe, and spiritual growth (Joseph & Southcott, 2014; 2017;
2019). These studies have consistently reported that a sense 2018; Lee et al., 2016). Similarly, 19 older adults from an
of connection, fellowship, and social engagement motivate inclusive elderly care center (serving older adults from
continued participation in later-life choral singing, promote lower socioeconomic groups) were found to derive a sense
social development and set a positive outlook on aging. of purpose and joy from choral singing (Petrovsky et al.,
One study highlighted the prominence of community 2020), while in other contexts, older adults have been found
and connection in the longer-term evolution of a choir; to experience music-making with a traditional instrument
interviews and focus groups with older adult community as an outlet for spiritual development (Matsunobo, 2018),
choir participants, at two separate periods four years apart, to derive empowerment and agency from making music
revealed that connection with others was a core facet of in a rock band (Laes, 2015), and to find that songwriting
was a vehicle for emotional expression and healing among
the choir’s identity and sustainability (Lamont et al., 2018).
older adult male prisoners (Cohen & Wilson, 2017).
Social support in the form of companionship, emotional
support, practical assistance, and sharing of information Self-fulfillment was also expressed as identity work
was similarly found to be experienced widely within the achieved through music participation, in some cases
context of New Horizons Bands (Carucci, 2012) and other related to strengthening cultural identity through music
(e.g., De Araujo & De Rocha, 2019; Joseph & Southcott,
community instrumental ensembles. Community music- 2018; Sirek, 2018), while in others, related to reinforcing,
making within instrumental ensembles has reportedly rediscovering, or developing musical identities through
functioned as a vehicle for mutual support (Glen, 2018). choral participation or instrumental groups (e.g., Jenkins
The social bonds and harmonious relationships forged and Southcott, 2016; Laes, 2015; Reese, 2019; Woody
within such contexts are fundamental to community- et al., 2019). For example, Söderman and Westvall (2017)
building (Giebelhausen & Kruse, 2018; Goodrich, 2019; investigated the meaning of community music for older
Rohwer, 2017).
adult members of a Finnish association in Sweden. The
A few studies have used quantitative measures to music-making, which took the form of a three-piece band
explore potential relationships between social connections that wrote and performed their songs and accompanied a
within choral contexts and well-being among older adults. senior dance group, was a source of strengthened personal
For example, Pearce et al. (2016) reported that although and cultural identity and provided a sense of purpose and
singing, as compared with other leisure activities, did empowerment.

Volume 9 Issue 3 (2023) 24 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.383