Building bridges through collaboration: MetamorPhonics as an approach to socially engaged music making

Various socially engaged and participatory music projects work with diverse communities, such as people in detention and health care settings, and with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. These projects can be seen as a testament to the belief that music and music making can bring about positive experiences, impact and even change to people’s lives. This research project aims to comprehensively investigate MetamorPhonics’ (MP) community music practice and its impacts on participants. It encompasses multiple aspects, including understanding the profiles and motivations of MP band members, exploring the principles and beliefs that guide MP, and comparing them to other community music practices. The project also delves into the core pedagogic approaches utilized by MP, investigating the strategies, methodologies, and instructional techniques that shape its practice. It examines how the social context and characteristics of participants inform the musical approach and leadership within MP. Additionally, the project explores the significance of the MP experience for band members, including the personal, social, and musical impact of participation and potential spillover effects on participants' lives and engagement with broader communities. Furthermore, it supports the skill development of practitioners, develops research methods tailored for community music projects, and ensures the wide dissemination of research findings to academics, practitioners, and stakeholders.