IEA News
Newly published Sounding Out research reveals how outdoor musical instruments can encourage older people to spend more time outside, connect with others and experience the benefits of music.
UK: To mark European Music Therapy Day, on 15th November, Percussion Play is celebrating the publication of its latest Sounding Out research, highlighting the important role that accessible outdoor music-making can play in supporting wellbeing, social connection and engagement among older people, including those living in care settings.
The research, led by music researcher Dr Stuart Wood MBE PhD, explored how outdoor musical instruments can transform gardens and shared outdoor spaces into places that encourage participation, creativity and connection.
Conducted across care settings in the UK, Denmark and the United States, the project examined how residents, carers and staff interacted with outdoor musical instruments, and how the opportunity to make music influenced their experience of being outside.
The findings provide compelling evidence of the value of making music accessible in everyday environments:
- 93% of participants said outdoor musical instruments made outdoor spaces more appealing.
- 90% reported feeling more interested in going outside.
- 79% felt able to access the instruments without additional support.
A central finding was the importance of what researchers described as 'permission to play'. Having musical instruments readily available gave residents a reason to engage with their surroundings, experiment with sound and participate in an activity without needing formal instruction or a scheduled session.
The research also highlighted how instruments can act as destinations within gardens, motivating people to venture outdoors, while creating opportunities for spontaneous interaction between residents, carers, families and visitors.
The findings are particularly relevant to European Music Therapy Day, which celebrates the role of music and music therapy in supporting health, wellbeing and quality of life.
While outdoor music-making is not a substitute for professional music therapy, the Sounding Out research demonstrates how access to musical experiences can extend beyond formal therapeutic settings and become part of everyday life.
Jody Ashfield, CEO, Percussion Play said:
"European Music Therapy Day is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary power of music to bring people together and support wellbeing. Our Sounding Out research shows that something as simple as making musical instruments accessible in a garden can make a real difference to how people experience outdoor spaces. What stood out was the importance of giving people permission to play. The instruments became destinations, encouraging residents to go outside, explore and connect with others through music.
We hope these findings will encourage more care providers, designers and organisations to think differently about outdoor spaces and the opportunities they offer for creativity, connection and wellbeing."
The research also highlighted the intergenerational benefits of outdoor music-making. Unlike many structured activities, musical instruments can be enjoyed by people of different ages and abilities, creating shared experiences between residents, families, carers and younger visitors.
Dr Stuart Wood MBE PhD, who led the research, emphasised the importance of designing outdoor environments that actively encourage engagement rather than simply providing access to fresh air.
The findings suggest that gardens should be considered not just as spaces for relaxation, but as environments that offer meaningful opportunities for participation, independence and social interaction.
Percussion Play hopes the newly published research will help inform the design of more inclusive outdoor environments across care homes, community settings and public spaces.