Seminar overview: The healing power of music "from Ballina to Back o’ Bourke"

This seminar will be delivered by Dr Annie Mitchell. 

Focusing on a recent performance tour of outback New South Wales conducted by the Clarence Valley Orchestra (CVO), “The Healing Power of Music” aims to investigate the impact of community music engagement on the social, educational and health conditions of participants; musicians and audiences. This paper constitutes a preliminary study in a broader research project investigating the contribution  of community music engagement to lifelong learning, affirmative ageing, building social capital and developing artistic citizenship.

Using qualitative methods of questionnaires, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with leading orchestra personnel, the research is informed by significant stakeholders: orchestra members, guest performers, music teachers and support workers. The methodology is triangulated by the author’s participant observation and autoethnography, being the double bassist performing on this tour.

Research questions consider how involvement in the CVO contributes to musical achievement and lifelong learning, what motivates musicians to play in community orchestras, and how engagement with community members on tour may impact personal and professional well-being.

Data collection continues with results undergoing thematic analysis. Musicians have reported improvements in individual performance standards, ensemble skills, score reading, self-education and musical collaboration, plus personal experiences of well-being and altruism. Community members spontaneously expressed appreciation of cultural entertainment and gratitude for provision of music concerts in under-serviced rural areas. In accordance with the altruism and ethos of this orchestra, significant proceeds from concerts were donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and to a major charity.

This tour exposed great need for cultural events in the outback and financial support for its communities. Building networks in remote areas to better service regions may help communities more successfully manage hardship and catastrophe. Resilience, agency and advocacy empower under-serviced populations by providing a voice for isolated residents.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Time: 12pm-1pm QLD Time / 1pm-2pm NSW Time

Venue: Online