Musical interaction, social communication, and wellbeing

Music plays a prominent role in human interaction, and is thought to have broad impact on social, emotional, and intellectual competencies, and on personal wellbeing. In order to better understand how, why, and under what conditions music affects wellbeing, this chapter summarizes recent work that demonstrates specific aspects of wellbeing that are positively affected by joint engagement in music. In particular, the chapter focuses on the role of synchrony experience in enhancing social-emotional attitudes and behaviors. The chapter introduces a working model that aims to explain the processes by which synchrony during joint music-making may help to develop and refine social-emotional competencies, suggesting the potential for enhanced wellbeing. The case is made for a future multi-disciplinary approach to researching direct links between synchrony experience and wellbeing, as well as to understanding the most effective ways to use musical interaction to enhance wellbeing.