The Joy of Playing Music

The Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre
V&A
 
From steel bands to football fans and community choirs, making music together has always helped people connect.
 
Dr Haroun Shah, scientist and founder of Nostalgia Steelband, the UK’s oldest steel band, joins Dr Neta Spiro, music psychologist at the Royal College of Music, and Mike Poyser, a community music educator working across the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Together they will explore why playing music with others strengthens wellbeing, builds trust, and supports community and cultural identity.
 
Drawing on anecdotal, historical and scientific perspectives, they will explore what happens in our brains when we sing or play together. The discussion will also unpack research that shows how group music-making can reduce loneliness and enhance social bonding, and how access to musical activities can support community health and help connect us with our past.