Primary – Music Strengthens Social Bonds

Music increases contact, coordination, and cooperation with others

Music is pleasurable. Although music can certainly be played and listened to alone, it is also a powerful social magnet, and it seems to play a role in our wellbeing. Many researchers also believe that music plays a significant role in strengthening social bonds.

After all, music is one of the few times when we will gather together with other people to engage in a shared activity. There is something about listening to music, or playing it with other people, that brings its own social buzz, making you feel connected to those around you.

Performing music involves coordinating our efforts to produce a pleasing sound. When we try to synch with others musically (keeping the beat or harmonizing) we tend to feel positive social feelings towards those with whom we’re synchronizing.

Playing music in a band or singing in a choir certainly involves cooperation as well, whether in preparation for the performance or during the performance. Cooperation increases trust between individuals and increases one’s chances of future cooperation.

Nowadays, music has the potential to make us feel connected to all of humanity. The more we use music to bring us together—literally and figuratively—the more potential for increased empathy, social connection, and cooperation.

Here are some Grade 5 students playing different instruments as the part of the music performance

By Istiqomah Proboningtyas – Primary Music Teacher