Royal College of Music

About: Royal College of Music is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Music education & Music psychology. The organization has 95 authors who have published 212 publications receiving 3522 citations. The organization is also known as: RCM.

The psychoneuroimmunological effects of music: A systematic review and a new model

Abstract: There has been a growing interest over the past decade into the health benefits of music, in particular examining its psychological and neurological effects. Yet this is the first attempt to systematically review publications on the psychoneuroimmunology of music. Of the selected sixty-three studies published over the past 22 years, a range of effects of music on neurotransmitters, hormones, cytokines, lymphocytes, vital signs and immunoglobulins as well as psychological assessments are cataloged. Research so far points to the pivotal role of stress pathways in linking music to an immune response. However, several challenges to this research are noted: (1) there is very little discussion on the possible mechanisms by which music is achieving its neurological and immunological impact; (2) the studies tend to examine biomarkers in isolation, without taking into consideration the interaction of the biomarkers in question with other physiological or metabolic activities of the body, leading to an unclear understanding of the impact that music may be having; (3) terms are not being defined clearly enough, such as distinctions not being made between different kinds of stress and 'music' being used to encompass a broad spectrum of activities without determining which aspects of musical engagement are responsible for alterations in biomarkers. In light of this, a new model is presented which provides a framework for developing a taxonomy of musical and stress-related variables in research design, and tracing the broad pathways that are involved in its influence on the body.

Exploring co-performer communication

Abstract: This paper examines the development and implementation of general social and specific non-verbal communication between two expert pianists who prepared and gave a recital of piano duo and duet musi...

Awareness and incidence of health problems among conservatoire students

Abstract: A survey of conservatoire students is reported in which information was gathered regarding their awareness and incidence of physical and mental health problems resulting from performing music, as well as places and/or people they would turn to for advice in the event of a future problem. Pain and discomfort relating to posture and excessive practising were reported to be frequent, as was performance anxiety. Students showed a significant inclination to go first to their instrumental teacher for advice about health and psychological problems, before appropriate medical practitioners. These results are discussed in the light of previous research. In addition, a curriculum initiative is described in which a series of seminars have been presented to first-year students at the Royal College of Music with the intention of broadening their awareness of the health issues associated with performing professionally and of the places where they could seek professional help.