Researchers from the University of Sheffield's Music and Wellbeing Unit have just released their conclusions to research carried out on the potential benefits and challenges of playing in brass bands.

With the help of Brass Bands England, Dr Michael Bonshor and Dr Vicky Williamson circulated a questionnaire asking players about the effects of brass banding upon their lives.

Responses were received from 346 adult band members, who provided information on how it affected their physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual well being.

Benefits

Benefits were reported in all of these aspects of wellbeing (which is defined as a concept as being when, "…individuals have the psychological, social and physical resources they need to meet a particular psychological, social and/or physical challenge."

The overwhelming majority of those responding stated that their brass banding had improved their breath control and lung capacity, with some even experiencing noticeable improvements in respiratory conditions.

One player with over 20 years of banding experience stated: "I'm asthmatic and it has helped me gain a great deal of control over my breathing.

Despite being incredibly unfit and overweight I come out as an 'elite sportsman' when I have my breathing monitored by my doctor."

Stress reduction

Psychological benefits reported included stress reduction, increased resilience, general improvements in mental health, and distraction from some of the worries and frustrations of everyday life.

A player in his early thirties stated: "I find playing music, having to concentrate and follow a conductor a wonderfully cleansing psychological experience. Focusing 100% of your concentration on one thing can be like a meditation at times and feels very healthy and beneficial."

Psychological benefits reported included stress reduction, increased resilience, general improvements in mental health, and distraction from some of the worries and frustrations of everyday life4BR

Social aspects

The findings also suggested that brass players also greatly valued the social aspects of banding, including making new friends, benefiting from the community spirit and support networks, and enjoying the teamwork and sense of belonging.

One person who had started playing relatively late in life gave the opinion that: "If you are prepared to spend the time and effort to master a brass instrument you will never be lonely or bored again.

There are so many bands out there and many are crying out for players, that you could be out every day of the week playing with some band.

This in turn will lead to great social interaction with people of similar musical interests (not to mention the social pint after practice—well, why waste a good thirst!!)."

Find out more

A more comprehensive article on this research is now available in the online, open-access journal, 'Frontiers in Psychology: Performance Science'.

Please go to: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01176