In Harmony: Psychology and Liverpool Philharmonic Resilience Study

Published on 18 March 2024

The University of Liverpool Psychology Department and Liverpool Philharmonic have launched a resilience study research report, on the 15th anniversary of the Liverpool Philharmonic's 'In Harmony' project.

Launched in 2009, 'In Harmony' uses orchestral music making to improve the life chances of children by increasing confidence, wellbeing, skills and resilience, enhanced by opportunities to travel, learn, perform and collaborate with professional musicians, international artists and other young people.

The programme has benefited over 4,000 children and young people since its launch and is targeted at children with the greatest need - over 40% of 'In Harmony' children are classed as living in poverty. Children and young people make music every week free of charge - learning an instrument, composing, singing, rehearsing and performing a wide range of music in orchestras and ensembles in schools, throughout the community and in concert venues.

Findings from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Philharmonic In Harmony Resilience Report showed that 'In Harmony Liverpool' promotes resilience in its children and families via increased self-confidence, skills competence, self-knowledge, the development of social skills and the ability to face challenges. 'In Harmony' also helps to increase inclusion and sense of belonging amongst its communities.

The findings show that whilst the programme cannot remove hardship or inequalities, it can and does provide families with life skills and resources that they can use to manage and adapt to stress both in and outside the programme, now and in the future.

The study was conducted by semi-structured interviews between December 2021 and February 2022 with 22 parents/carers of children taking part in 'In Harmony Liverpool', and is authored by Dr Warren Donnellan and Dr Laura Soulsby, Senior Lecturers in the Department of Psychology at the University of Liverpool. The wider research consisted of Alice Oakey, Ciara Falvey and Simon Worsley, Psychology graduates from the Department of Psychology at the University of Liverpool.

Reflecting on their research findings and the impact of the 'In Harmony' project and musical learning on resilience, Dr Warren Donnellan said: "Our evidence synthesis found that musical learning is an important resource for children and young people's social, emotional and intellectual development. Unequal access to educational opportunities puts children and young people with fewer socioeconomic privileges at a disadvantage, which is why programmes such as In Harmony are so vital.

"We're proud to continue working in partnership with Liverpool Philharmonic to provide research and analysis of the impact of their long-term community programmes."

The full study can be found here.

The In Harmony Resilience Study Report is part of a collaboration between Liverpool Philharmonic and the University of Liverpool, which aims to foster a programme of research in music and its role in health, employment and community development, providing solutions to significant issues facing the performing arts and public policy in Liverpool City Region, the UK and internationally.

The partnership also aims to develop in-depth, longitudinal studies using research sites from the Liverpool Philharmonic's long-term community programmes, In Harmony Liverpool and Music & Health, as well as the University's sector-leading work in Musicians Performance Science and heritage and wellbeing research, as well as building upon Liverpool Philharmonic's existing evidence base that has measured the impact of its programmes for over ten years.

In conjunction with the launch of the In Harmony Resilience Study, Liverpool Philharmonic, together with 600 young musicians aged 7-11 from Anfield and Everton, will celebrate 15 years of In Harmony Liverpool with a birthday concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Monday 18 March.

The performers from Faith Primary Academy, The Beacon Church of England Primary School and All Saints Catholic Primary School will present an uplifting concert with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra musicians to a packed audience of friends and family, culminating in a joyouse finale of massed choir and orchestra.

Michael Eakin, CEO of Liverpool Philharmonic said: "As we celebrate 15 years of In Harmony, we are profoundly moved by the impact this programme has had on the lives of so many children and families in our communities.

"Through the power of music, In Harmony has created pathways for social inclusion, academic achievement, and personal growth, inspiring a generation of young musicians and changemakers."

Photo credits: Royal Liverpool Philharmonic