Music groups and connectivity: Older adults' perceptions of socialising through community music

Objectives

While evidence for the benefits of engagement with music-making as we age is well-established, we know less about older adults' perceptions of and aspirations for involvement in music-making. This article aimed to discover older adults' experiences of connectivity through and in music, and what enables positive experiences. It draws on a community music case study with older adults in Hobart, Tasmania, in 2023, one of five in a larger research project on creative ageing with music.

Methods

The methodology was phenomenological, using a participatory approach to engage diverse participants in collaborative and culturally sensitive research that foregrounded the participant voice. Fifty-five participants were recruited from five music groups: two choirs, a ukulele group, a string band and a four-piece band. Methods were observation, participation, discussions and interviews. The analysis employed a reflexive thematic approach.

Results

Four themes relating to connectivity were generated from engagement with the data: connecting with music; support to learn and realise musical selves; connections through music and beyond; and heightened connections and musical experiences.

Conclusions

Participants stressed the importance of the welcome and accessibility they experienced in music groups to overcome self-doubt and shared how important connections and social support were for their motivation and personal and musical growth.