Hand-in Hand, community music program : a case study

Abstract

This thesis comprises a detailed study of the Hand-in-Hand (HiH) program, a community music program with a philosophy of making music for the benefit of others. In practical terms, the program involves school children visiting nursing homes to sing with, and activate the residents. This program is based in Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It is organized and run by staff from the School of Music at the Australian National University, and from the ACT Education Department, and based primarily at Ainslie Primary School. The thesis explores and describes the HiH program including its philosophy, methodology, practical application and short-term outcomes. It discusses whether the program can be considered part of the intergenerational movement, music therapy or a behavior management program. Part 1 of the thesis focuses on a broad review of literature divided into three sections. Section 1 outlines the HiH program and its altruistic philosophy in the context of a broad range of literature pertaining to altruism. Section 2 explores HiH in relation to music therapy and intergenerational conventions. Section 3 discusses HiH as a music program with non-technical musical goals. Part 2 of the thesis is in three sections and describes the practical application of the program in three different situations. Section 1 examines the influence of the HiH program on the city-wide Music in Primary Schools program to which it belongs and specifically documents the Music Education Program at Ainslie Primary School. Section 2 outlines the methodology of an inclusive pilot project, involving students with special needs and mainstream children. Section 3 describes another pilot project involving high school children, with emotional and behavioral problems, visiting an aged-care facility and discusses the outcomes, and potential benefits of their involvement in the project. There is also a brief review of literature pertaining to the pilot projects at the beginning of both section two and three. In conclusion, the main findings are summarized and related to the literature. The many threads of the thesis are drawn together and suggestions are made regarding further in-depth study and research into the potential benefits of the program.