We are currently witnessing an escalating well-being crisis among children and young people (Ottosen et al., 2022, 2018; Katznelson et al., 2022). Traditionally, engagement with aesthetic forms of expression has been recognized for its positive impact on well-being, a perspective supported by numerous recent studies (Zbranca et al., 2022; Fancourt & Finn, 2019). Specifically, within the realm of music, research underscores the benefits of musical communities and communal singing for enhancing well-being (Daykin et al., 2013; Vuust, 2017), as well as the advantages of creative work with music (Bruun, 2023; Hallam & Himonides, 2022).

However, there is a need for further understanding of how music can positively influence well-being across diverse contexts. We need to explore which pedagogical and artistic approaches, formats, and frameworks characterize a music pedagogy that promotes well-being. Therefore, we invite contributions that provide insights into how, and under what conditions, music pedagogy, in its broadest sense, can support well-being in contemporary society, particularly among children and young people. We are interested in perspectives from both Denmark and the international community. The special issue can include both empirical and theoretical studies, and the articles may be based on various methodological approaches and traditions.

Important dates and deadlines

15. November 2024, 12 o´clock:
Submission of abstract: Title, 500 words, five keywords and autobiography emailed to Thomas Thorsen (thth@pha.dk) and Mikkel Snorre Boysen (msb@pha.dk).

29. November 2024:
Presentations of abstract and collective feedback at the Danish Music of Musicpedagogical Research Conference, Music and Well-Being.   

1. February 2025
Submission of full paper

1. February 2025 – 1. July 2025
Review process

August 2025
Production and proofread

Fall 2025                          
Publication

The editors

The call is orchestrated and coordinated by the Danish Network of Music Pedagogical Research (DNMpFU, www.dnmpfu.nu) in collaboration with Danish Yearbook of Musicology (www.dym.dk). The chief editors are the heads of the network Mikkel Snorre Wilms Boysen and Maria Westvall, supported by the coordination group in DNMpFU and the editors of Danish Yearbook of Musicology.

The coordination group of DNMpFU

• • Mikkel Snorre Boysen (forperson), Docent Professionshøjskolen Absalon – msb@pha.dk

• • Maria Westvall, Professor i musikpædagogik RMC – mw@rmc.dk

• • Line Fredens, DKDM – line.fredens@dkdm.dk

• • Torben Westergaard, Det Jyske Musikkonservatorium – towe@musikkons.dk

• • Peter Schmidt Bruun, DKDM – Pbr@dkdm.dk

• • Michael Fjeldsøe, Professor KU – fjeldsoe@hum.ku.dk

• • Anne Gry Haugland, Lektor, DKDM – anne.haugland@dkdm.dk

• • Margrete Hedegaard Rasmussen, Lektor, UCsyd – mhra@ucsyd.dk

• • Martin Guldberg, Aalborg Universitet – musmg@cc.au.dk

• • Mimmi Bie, RMC – Mimmi.Bie@rmc.dk

• • Sille Schultz, Lektor lærerudd., KP – sksb@kp.dk

• • John Rasmussen, Professor, AAU – jrasmussen@hum.aau.dk

• • Birgitte Momme, Lektor, SDMK – bmomme12@sdmknet.dk

• • Thomas Thorsen, Lektor, Professions-højskolen Absalon – thth@pha.dk

• • Kristine Ringsager, Lektor, KU – kringsager@hum.ku.dk

Author Guidelines

The articles for this special issue should be a maximum of 6000 words. Besides that, the general submission guidelines for manuscripts to Danish Yearbook of Musicology must be adhered to: “The main language for publication is English, but articles in German and in the Scandinavian languages are also accepted. Notes and references follow British practice as indicated in the Oxford Style Manual, with use of the author–title system for repeated citations. Please consult the latest issue of the yearbook for style, citation practice, and general approach.” (www.dym.dk/about_dym.html)

References

Bruun, P. S. (2023). ”Worlds become in sound” a study in the phenomenology of music creation, being and pedagogic processes of Bildung. Århus Universitet.

Daykin, N. et al. (2017). What Works for Wellbeing? A Systematic review of Wellbeing Outcomes for Music and Singing in Adults. Perspectives in Public Health 138 (1): 39-46.

Fancourt, D. & Finn, S. (2019). What is the Evidence on the role of the Arts in Improving Health and Well-being? A Scoping Review. WHO Regional Office for Europe (Health Evidence Network synthesis report 67)

Hallam, S., & Himonides, E. (2022). The Power of Music: an exploration of the evidence. Open Book Publishers.

Katznelson, N., Pless, M., & Görlich, A. (2022). Mistrivsel i lyset af tempo, præstation og psykologisering: Om ny udsathed i ungdomslivet. Aalborg Universitetsforlag. Ungdomsliv 

Ottosen et al. (2022). Børn og unge i Danmark: Velfærd og trivsel 2022. København. Vive 

Ottosen et al. (2018). Børn og unge i Danmark: Velfærd og trivsel 2018. København. Vive 

Vuust, P. (2017). Musik på hjernen. People´s Press.

Zbranca, R., Dâmaso, M., Blaga, O., Kiss, K., Dascșl, M. D., Yakobson, D., & Pop, O. (2022). CultureForHealth Report: Culture’s Contribution to Health and Well-being. A Report on Evidence and Policy Recommendations for Europe. CultureForHealth. Culture Action Europe