Made possible by Barbara Spencer’s generous donation in honour of her life partner Lance Bennett.
As seen on ABC News Breakfast, this effort is a world-first study to find out if music training improves brain functioning in older adults with memory difficulties.
If you would like to participate in this ground-breaking study, please visit ‘Are you eligible to participate?‘ or contact us at neuromusic.info@sydney.edu.au or 9351 0755.
Dementia affects around 50 million people globally with no cure available yet. One key question is being asked when discussing prevention: Can we slow the rate of cognitive decline to avoid dementia? The Spencer-Bennett NeuroMusic Collaborative aims to find out.
This philanthropic gift from Barbara Spencer has enabled psychologists, bioengineers, musicians, imaging experts and neurologists to collaborate on a ground-breaking research program.
This study will test whether music training is a successful intervention for people experiencing memory difficulties.
What does the study involve?
There is no need for any previous musical experience!
Participants will join either a choir, piano or film group for 3 months and will be asked to complete questionnaires at the start of the study and again after 3 and 9 months.
All participants will experience a vibrant and energising group musical environment, in which they will explore an exciting mix of popular, classical, and folk music.
Choir Participants will learn to sing together and to harmonise with other voices.
Piano Participants will learn to navigate the keyboard and discover the sounds and feeling of the piano as they perform together.
Film Participants will watch and discuss films together with soundtracks reflecting a broad range of musical genres.
The research team launched the NeuroMusic collaborative at the Conservatorium in March 2022. While thanking Mrs Spencer, Professor Matthew Kiernan (Co-director, Brain and Mind Centre) and Professor Anna Reid (Director, Conservatorium) noted that this unique gift would have an impact for years to come.
If you would like to participate in this ground-breaking study, please visit ‘Are you eligible to participate?‘ or contact us at neuromusic.info@sydney.edu.au or 9351 0755.
If you would like to learn more about our work or support our research through a donation, please click the button below. Your generosity helps us continue making strides in this innovative field.