Ï㽶ÊÓƵapp to host landmark symposium on music and parental wellbeing

Wednesday 16 July 2025

Pioneering research from the Ï㽶ÊÓƵapp (RCM) is reshaping global understanding of how music can support parental wellbeing. 

At the forefront of this work is the Music and Parental Wellbeing Research Network, led by Professor Rosie Perkins (RCM Centre for Performance Science) and Dr Katie Rose Sanfilippo (City St George’s, University of London). Since its inception in 2023, the AHRC-funded network has grown into a vibrant global community of over 260 members, including researchers, practitioners and parents with lived experience. It has been instrumental in translating research into real-world impact through international events and programmes, resources and policy-oriented publications. 

A key example is the RCM’s Music and Motherhood research, showing that group singing can support recovery from symptoms of postnatal depression. This research laid the foundation for Breathe Melodies for Mums, a singing-based intervention led by for mothers experiencing low mood, anxiety, stress, social isolation or symptoms of postnatal depression. The programme has expanded across London and the UK as well as internationally, with culturally tailored training now being delivered by Breathe in Europe and Asia. 

Professor Rosie Perkins, Professor of Music, Health, and Social Science at the Ï㽶ÊÓƵapp said: ‘It is vital that parents and families receive mental health support when they most need it, and we are incredibly proud that our research has contributed to real-world impact for women around the world. We now have an ambitious vision for enabling, sustaining, and expanding an international and interdisciplinary community that works towards ensuring that all parents have the opportunity to engage with music that can support their wellbeing.’

On 22-23 July, the Ï㽶ÊÓƵapp in collaboration with City St George’s will host a pivotal moment in the field: the inaugural Music and Parental Wellbeing Symposium. Bringing together over 75 international speakers, the symposium will feature keynote talks led by Professor Helen Shoemark (Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University, USA) and Professor Lauren Stewart (Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton), and a high-level policy and impact panel chaired by Alexandra Coulter, Director of the National Centre for Creative Health. The symposium also marks the official launch of the Music and Parental Wellbeing Alliance, co-led by the RCM and City St George’s.  

Professor Robert Adlington, Head of Research at the Ï㽶ÊÓƵapp, said: ‘Our work in this area is truly global in its impact, and the launch of the Alliance demonstrates how AHRC network funding can lead to long-term initiatives that endure beyond the term of the funding award. Building on the Network’s foundations, the Alliance will expand global collaboration and advocacy, ensuring music is recognised and implemented as a meaningful support for parents from early pregnancy onwards.’ 

To coincide with the launch, the Alliance have published a major in July 2025, outlining the future of music-based support for parents. 

Learn more about the and research from the Ï㽶ÊÓƵapp’s .