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Research 

Research is an integral component of music therapy as an evidence-based contemporary profession and discipline. In addition to exploring and demonstrating the impact of music therapy and ensuring high standards of practice, research evidence informs funding and policy making decisions in the field.

UK music therapists have been and continue to be integral in the development of regional and international research initiatives and collaborations, as well as in the provision of education within research active environments.

As part of its aim to promote the art and science of music therapy, BAMT supports and develops further research in music therapy. In particular BAMT aims:

  • to promote current research activity and participation in research to both music therapists and public;
  • to provide opportunities for music therapists to develop and share research ideas and skills;
  • to enable small-scale research to happen through funding and to promote opportunities for larger funding;
  • to increase awareness of current and emerging research evidence through links with stakeholders on national and international levels.

Research Work Areas

BAMT’s research agenda is currently implemented through four main research work areas
  • Resources
  • Network
  • Funding
  • Collaborations

The BAMT Research Officer represents and advises the association in research-related matters. They can be contacted at info@bamt.org


Resources
  • The BAMT Register of Surveys, Research and Evaluation Projects (ROSREP) provides information about music therapy research activity within the UK. It also enables researchers to recruit participants for ongoing studies.
  • Other online research-related resources are listed on BAMT’s website, including the index and abstracts to the association’s peer-reviewed journal The British Journal of Music Therapy.
  • The BAMT monthly e-bulletin keeps membership up to date with ongoing research activities and news.
  • Access to the BAMT mailing list for sample recruitment purposes is offered to research organisations or individuals who conduct research at a professional or doctorate level. Project registration to ROSREP is a prerequisite for mailing list access.
Network
  • The BAMT Research Network provides a forum for sharing ideas, information and resources. Welcoming both experienced and novice researchers. The network provides opportunities for supporting and/or mentoring those seeking advice or guidance in research in its many guises.
  • In addition to meetings and CPD events, the Research Network members receive research-related news through the network’s mailing list.
Funding
  • BAMT’s Small Grants Scheme supports training and research in music therapy.
  • Other funding opportunities, such as grants from the Music Therapy Charity, are circulated through the BAMT’s e-bulletin.
Collaborations
  • BAMT is a member of The Music Research Consortium UK (MRC-UK) which represents UK professional organisations promoting research in music.
  • BAMT is a member of the Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) (previously Allied Health Professions Research Network, AHPRN) which develops AHP research, strengthens evidence of value and impact, and enhances patient care. BAMT members can access the CAHPR research hubs across the country to seek research advice as well as to attend CPD research events. 
  • BAMT is open to be part of research collaborations in areas that are directly connected to the association’s charitable aims. Proposals can be sent to info@bamt.org

Call for Participants

Supporting research is important for your own CPD and development, can be included in your HCPC CPD audit, and is a great way to support the Music Therapy community.


Are you a Music Therapist who holds a Buddhist stance?
Hello, I am a 3rd year Music Therapy student at UWE and I conducting research surrounding the experiences of Buddhist Music Therapists.

Please see study information poster here

Thank you very much in advance.
Best wishes, Tom Lawton



Call for Participants: Music and Dyslexia
I am seeking Conservatoire students with dyslexia who may be willing to participate in a study exploring their lived experiences throughout their conservatoire journey. The research aims to explore what it means to be an aspiring musician with dyslexia, as told by the individuals themselves, prioritising student voices. It also aims to inspire further research in the under-researched area of 'Dyslexia in Professional Musicians', and be a step towards supporting students, colleagues, and Conservatories in creating collaborative, professional, musician-specific, inclusive practices.

POSTER PAGE 1
POSTER PAGE 2

Thank you for your time.
Lydia Ballam, PhD Candidate in Performance Science

 

Arts and young people’s mental health
The latest research study attached to the Arts4Us study, explores the ways in which access to arts activities can be improved for children and young people (CYP) who are at risk of, or experiencing, mental health challenges.

If you’re able, please share the study details within your networks – whether that’s through email, social media, or relevant professional groups.

Study Summary
The aim of the study is to explore the views of different professionals who support the mental health of children and young people about how we can improve access to arts activities. This will inform the work of the wider Arts4Us project which aims to develop an easy-to-use digital platform where evidence-based local arts activities can be made accessible for children and young people, their families and relevant organisations and services.

Who can take part
We are looking to hear from individuals who work directly with children and young people who are experiencing, or at risk of, mental health challenges from the following contexts:

Health and social care
Education
Arts and cultural organisations
Local Authorities
Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprises (VCFSE)
How to get involved
Please take part in a short questionnaire by scanning the QR code on the study poster or following this link: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/edgehill/the-views-of-frontline-staff-on-how-to-improve-access-to-arts-a



Music and Mental Health: Can Sound Heal Society?
My name is Emma LOISELEUX-BOYAT, and I am completing a six-month Global Issues research project in the British French International section at Lucie Aubrac, Courbevoie, Aubrac. I have studied the materials on your website and admire BAMT’s leadership in professional standards and public policy advocacy. My research question is: “Music and Mental Health: Can Sound Heal Society?”

To complement the public information, I would be grateful if you could address the following:

From a neurological perspective, what is the current understanding of how music therapy reduces symptoms of depression?
Which aspects of music (e.g., rhythm, harmony, lyrics) are thought to engage the brain’s reward system most effectively?
Are there standardized brain-based measures or guidelines that BAMT recommends for tracking patient progress?
Has BAMT supported any projects that use brain imaging (fMRI, EEG) to demonstrate music’s impact on mental health?
A brief written reply or online discussion would greatly enrich the policy and access section of my project.

Please feel free to verify my enquiry with my teacher, Miss McCourt (sibrit.lucie-aubrac@ac-versailles.fr).

Thank you for your time and expertise.

Yours faithfully,

Emma LOISELEUX-BOYAT
Year 12 – British French International Section
Lucie Aubrac
Courbevoie, France
emma.loiseleuxboyat@gmail.com