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Volume 17, Issue 2
  • ISSN: 1752-6299
  • E-ISSN: 1752-6302

Abstract

Online delivery of community music groups has become more widely accepted following the COVID-19 pandemic, and may reduce barriers to attendance for certain demographics, including mothers with caring responsibilities. However, different interaction patterns may affect group processes, altering a programme’s underlying mechanisms of change when adapted for online delivery. This research compares in-person and videoconference delivery of the Lullaby Project, a therapeutic community music group for mothers with infants aged under 3. It explores engagement, participation and group processes, and elucidates the mechanisms of change for both modes of implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine mothers and seven musicians who had experienced one of three delivery methods: (1) face-to-face; (2) face-to-face and online combination and (3) online. Interviews were analysed inductively using thematic analysis and eleven sub-themes were identified within three overarching themes: (1) engagement; (2) group processes and (3) change mechanisms. Mothers perceived benefits and formed meaningful relationships in-person and online, although the distinct group processes and change mechanisms suggest the delivery methods constitute distinct interventions. Specifically, relationships were formed on an individual level during in-person delivery, whereas group-based connections were more likely with online delivery. Further research is needed to explore a diversity of experiences, and to evaluate the efficacy of online delivery of community music groups.

Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • Carers Music Fund, provided by Spirit of 2012 from the Tampon Tax Fund
© 2024 Intellect Ltd
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2024-07-22
2026-04-12

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/content/journals/10.1386/ijcm_00104_1
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Face-to-face vs. online delivery of the Lullaby Project: A therapeutic community music group for mothers of infants
International Journal of Community Music 17, 199 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1386/ijcm_00104_1
/content/journals/10.1386/ijcm_00104_1
/content/journals/10.1386/ijcm_00104_1
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  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): group processes; maternal well-being; mechanisms of change; mother-infant interaction; theory of change; videoconference delivery

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