To support children’s development, psychosocial health, and well-being through music in school – a research summary.

This thesis’ purpose is to review how music in school settings contributes to children’s development, psychosocial health, and well-being. The undertaken method is a compilation of current research which focuses on different themes within the field of music in school settings: group processes, personality processes, cognitive processes, and contribution to society. The objective is to find out about how music lessons and music projects are being applied in school settings to support children’s health and development. The thesis answers the following research question: In which ways can the practice of music in school settings contribute to prevent psychosocial problems amongst children and youth? To answer this question, research published between 2006 – 2020 is studied and analysed with three theoretical perspectives to provide a better understanding of the material: social capital, cognitive theory as well as protective and risk factors for children’s development. The used method for carrying out this thesis is a research summary, which summarises the results within thematic units. The results of the study show that music in school settings can contribute to positive factors within groups such as social cohesion, communication, prosocial skills, and behaviour, generating a more positive social environment in schools with possibilities to encounter school problems related to aggression. Furthermore, music practice in school can enhance children’s learning processes within academic dimensions and aspects related to children’s self and well-being. Results also show music projects’ significance of contributing differentresources, especially to schools located in socio-economically poorer areas