Why Connection Comes First in Music Programs for Adults

When we think about health programs and especially those using music, dance, or art, we often jump straight to talking about the outcomes: stress relief, improved mood, and cognitive benefits.  

Obviously, these outcomes really matter. But in our work, we’ve found that an essential ingredient in arts health program designs is connection. Connection is often the foundation needed for enhanced health outcomes. 

Music As A Way In

Music has a way of cutting through the noise. Quite literally! It can also support creativity and shared moments. A familiar song, a beat we move to together or a lyric that really hits home. These shared elements can build connection faster than words alone.

This is what we build our music-based programs around. Not just the “doing” of music, but the “connection with” music that enhances connection to each other. 

Connection Before Outcomes

We’ve learned that when people feel safe and connected, everything else flows more naturally. Confidence grows. Engagement deepens. People take more risks, get creative and try new things. This means they are more likely to express themselves. That’s when real change, emotional and cognitive, happens. 

So in every session or program design, before we think about health goals or outcomes, we ask:

• Do they feel like they belong here?
• Have we created a space where they can show up as they are?
• Are we considering their relationship with music and how that fits with the program design?
  

What We Know About Adult Learners

Adults don’t learn in the same way that children do. Adult pedagogy, more formally known as andragogy, demands a little more. Adults bring a lifetime of experiences with them.  Ideally, adults should have some input into the art health program design. Musical choices, for example, are an easy one to implement.  More complex, but not impossible, is co-design.

If learning is part of the arts health program, adults don’t always want to be taught. Program facilitators and artists need to consider when to teach and when to guide. It’s a balance.  And that balance is crucial in programs that incorporate learning into the design. 

So our job as facilitators is to make space for that. To listen as much as we lead. To tune in as much as we might artistically ‘play out’.

The Real Outcome? Belonging.

Yes, we want our programs to support better health. But the kind of health we support isn’t just measured in statistics. It’s in the small moments.  At our recent group piano improvisation program, all held online via zoom, participants said this in the evaluation:

“You felt you were part of something, part of a group doing something and achieving something” (Female, 66 year old) 

“I thought the social connection was lovely, the sense of connection with diverse people.” (Female, 68 year old)

Connection isn’t just a step toward well-being. It is well-being.  And a foundation for health outcomes.  The participants in this online arts health program saw improvements in their creative thinking, cognitive health and well-being.

Connect with Us.

At Sound Health, we support organisations to design and deliver music and arts-based programs that put people first. Programs where connection, creativity, and healthcare lead the way.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine what you already do, we can help.

Are you supporting older adults?

We are currently offering a person-centred music listening program that can be integrated into home care and aged care for people with dementia. The personalised music listening program supports connections that lead to improved care and enhanced wellbeing.

👉 Get in touch to chat about how we can support your team or organisation.