Can music help to connect with self and others?
MUSICONNEX addresses the following questions:
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How can music help to connect with self and others?
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How can we study and measure this across mind, body, and varied contexts?
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What are the related next steps in research and engagement platforms?
MUSICONNEX concludes a 5-year project MUSICONNECT, funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The project has focused on youth, but submissions for MUSICONNEX are invited from researchers addressing these questions across the life span.
Topics
MUSICONNEX topics include, but are not limited to musical contexts and:
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Identity
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Agency
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Emotion
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Self-regulation
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Empowerment
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Movement
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Social bonding
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Relationships
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Mental health
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Wellbeing
Fields of Research
Fields of research include, but are not limited to:
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Music psychology
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Music cognition
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Music education
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Music therapy
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Emotion research
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Movement research
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Developmental psychology
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Youth research
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Katrina McFerran
Professor in Music Therapy, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Professor Katrina Skewes McFerran is an international expert on the topic of music, wellbeing and young people. She has undertaken a range of studies investigating healthy and uses of music with and by young people, preferring participatory approaches with an emphasis on reflexive, qualitative investigations. She has also contributed to the development of an assessment tool for increasing young people's conscious and intentional uses of music. Her music therapy research spans school, community and hospital based practices with young people incorporating a range of music strategies such as song writing, improvisation, performances and music sharing. She is committed to building healthy music cultures in schools that promote wellbeing and connectedness, as well as providing direct therapy services for young people who wish to work towards personal and interpersonal change and growth.
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Keynote 2: TBA |
Keynote 2: To Be Announced
Host
Prof. Suvi Saarikallio
Professor in Music Education, University of Jyväskylä
Professor Suvi Saarikallio conducts research and teaching in music psychology, music education, and music therapy. Saarikkallio is the primary investigator for the ERC-funded project MUSICONNECT. She is also co-PI for the Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body & Brain, and co-PI for the University of Jyväskylä's profiling area for the Social Sustainability for Children and Families. Saarikallio is the President of the European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music (ESCOM), the European Commissioner for the ISME (International Society for Music Education) Research Commission, and Chairman of the Finnish Society for Music Education (FiSME). Saarikallio will share what is MUSICONNEXT during her hosting address.
Call for papers opens early spring 2026!
To read more about MUSICONNECT, visit the project website.
Want to sponsor this conference?
Does your business want to support research on music's role in supporting young people's connectedness and empowerment? Get in touch with Dana Swarbrick | University of Jyväskylä
