@article{11f1b371c2b9432abb55ae7c488db9fc,
title = "A qualitative study of an online Makaton choir for Individuals with learning difficulties",
abstract = "This qualitative study investigates the experiences of individuals with learning difficulties who participate in Makaton choirs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five choir members and a leader. Thematic analysis revealed that participants reported increased opportunities for social connection with others.Participants also reported that performing sign language to song supported the acquisition of Makaton, leading to improvements in communication. Through providing a space for the development of communication and increased social interaction, Makaton choirs present opportunities for creating social relationships and for accessing and participating in new social contexts. In addition, an improved ability to use and understand Makaton sign language allows participants to access the lyrical content of songs, leading to an enhanced understanding of the experience of emotion through music. It is argued that participation in such a group may promote health and well-being by providing participants with a number of psychological and social benefits. Directions for future research are also presented.",
keywords = "Makaton, community music, community choirs, learning difficulties, social development, emotions and music",
author = "Hannah Quigley and Raymond MacDonald",
note = "Hannah Quigley is a music graduate from the University of Edinburgh. Her experience includes delivering both in-person and online community music workshops at schools for children with complex, long-term additional support. She is due to begin the MSc in music therapy at Queen Margaret University, commencing in September 2021. Raymond MacDonald is professor of music psychology and improvisation at Edinburgh University and lectures and runs workshops internationally. He is also a saxophonist and composer who has released over 60 CDs and toured and broadcast worldwide and has written music for film, television, theatre, radio and art installations. His ongoing research focuses on issues relating to improvisation, musical communication, music health and well-being, music education and musical identities. He studies the processes and outcomes of music participation and music listening and has a particular interest in collaborative creativity. His work is informed by a view of improvisation as a social, collaborative and uniquely creative process that provides opportunities to develop new ways of thinking and working creatively. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers and has co-edited five texts, Musical Identities (2002), Musical Communication (2005), Musical Imaginations (2012), Music Health and Wellbeing (2012) and The Handbook of Musical Identities (2017). He was editor of the Journal Psychology of Music between 2006 and 2012 and head of music at the University of Edinburgh 2013–17. His recent book (co-authored with Graeme Wilson) ",
year = "2022",
month = mar,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1386/ijcm_00052_1",
language = "English",
volume = "15",
pages = "65--94",
journal = "International Journal of Community Music",
issn = "1752-6299",
publisher = "Intellect Books",
number = "1",
}