Through a major partnership with the Macquarie Group Foundation and the NSW Attorney General’s Department, The Song Room has commissioned a number of independently conducted projects to research the outcomes of its unique music and creative arts education programs across a range of variables, target groups and program types. Together, these will constitute the largest privately funded research program of its type in Australia.

This strategic three year project will not only build capacity for The Song Room to further develop and deliver its programs in a more specific and targeted evidence-based manner, but will also build capacity in the broader context of policy and program delivery in education and particularly in the context of the key target groups.

Whilst there has been previous research indicating the important role that arts-based programs can play in building the educational, personal and social circumstances for children, there is considerable variation in perspectives associated with arts education, and the research in Australia is limited.

The Song Room Research Project has been divided into two phases. In the initial phase an expert research committee was established and a comprehensive literature review was conducted, leading to recommendations for further research focus and methodology. In the second phase, a number of separate projects have been commissioned from independent research organisations to focus in more depth on specific program areas and outcomes.

Phase 1: Review of Literature and Recommendations for Research Methodology
The University of Melbourne has conducted a substantial review of relevant literature and provided detailed recommendations for methodology and approaches for further, targeted research projects in Phase 2. A final report for Phase 1 has been completed and provides a solid foundation for future phases of the project.

Phase 2: Review of Evaluation Processes and Research Projects in Specific Program Contexts

Review of Song Room Evaluation

The Australian Council for Educational Research has undertaken an overall review of existing Song Room evaluation processes and data. This includes publication of an independent analysis of school evaluation data from a broad range of Song Room school programs.

Programs Outcomes in Areas of High Juvenile Crime

This project, conducted by leading independent research organisation Educational Transformations, will focus on Song Room programs conducted in areas of high juvenile crime. The project will help identify the key arts-related program components that correlate with the reduction of the risk indicators of juvenile crime involvement;

Program Outcomes in Refugee and Resettlement Contexts

This project, conducted by Victoria University, will focus on Song Room programs conducted in refugee and resettlement contexts. The project will help identify the key arts-related program components that have a discernible impact on positive mental health outcomes for refugee youth and assist with settlement and improved literacy.

Program Outcomes for Indigenous Youth

Research from Song Room programs will help identify the key arts-related program components that have a discernible impact encouraging re-engagement of ‘at risk’ Indigenous youth with learning and school. (Project to be commissioned)

To find out more about the research program, its outcomes or how you can support it, please contact:

Dr Renée Crawford
Research Coordinator, The Song Room
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

This research was only made possible by the generous support of the following program partners: