Drumming can help reduce depression and anxiety, a new study has claimed.
Research by the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London found that undertaking a 10-week programme of group drumming reduces depression by as much as 38 percent and anxiety by 20 percent.
Further findings showed that participants on the programme can improve social resilience by 23 percent and mental well-being by 16 percent.
Aaron Williamon, professor of Performance Science at the RCM, said: ‘Research into the psychological and biological benefits of psychosocial interventions for conditions such as anxiety and depression has increased markedly in the past decade.
‘Our study shows that making music can be a powerful tool for promoting mental health and contributes to a wider evidence base around music and well-being.’
Interviews with some of the participants revealed that drumming provided a powerful form of expression and communication, while the shared experience of drumming in a group facilitated feelings of belonging, acceptance, safety and care.
The research, carried out among 76 mental health service users in London across two studies, involved participants taking part in six and 10-week programmes of group drumming workshops led by a professional drummer and support by RCM students.
Research by the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London found that undertaking a 10-week programme of group drumming reduces depression by as much as 38 percent and anxiety by 20 percent.
Further findings showed that participants on the programme can improve social resilience by 23 percent and mental well-being by 16 percent.
Aaron Williamon, professor of Performance Science at the RCM, said: ‘Research into the psychological and biological benefits of psychosocial interventions for conditions such as anxiety and depression has increased markedly in the past decade.
‘Our study shows that making music can be a powerful tool for promoting mental health and contributes to a wider evidence base around music and well-being.’
Interviews with some of the participants revealed that drumming provided a powerful form of expression and communication, while the shared experience of drumming in a group facilitated feelings of belonging, acceptance, safety and care.
The research, carried out among 76 mental health service users in London across two studies, involved participants taking part in six and 10-week programmes of group drumming workshops led by a professional drummer and support by RCM students.
