JULY 6 I NAMM I RESEARCH
NAMM Study Shows Youth Rehabilitation Through RMM

There is new hope for rehabilitating angry and detached youths, according to a new study published in the June issue of Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, a medical journal.

The research was conducted at the Bethesda Children’s Home in Meadville, Pa. Adolescents who participated in a structured recreational music making protocol as part of their rehabilitation process demonstrated statistically significant improvements in school and work performance, as well as behavior toward others, with less depression, negative self-evaluation, anger and interpersonal problems than a control group, which did not participate in the music making activities. Fifty-two adolescents were evaluated in the research study, which spanned more than a year and incorporated the use of drums and a Clavinova computerized keyboard.

The study was led by neurologist and researcher Dr. Barry Bittman, CEO and medical director of Meadville Medical Center’s Mind-Body Wellness Center and CEO of the Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute. The study was funded by the NAMM Foundation with support from the Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute and Remo.

“This study is the first of its kind using music as a catalyst for non-verbal and verbal disclosure leading to improved quality of life for troubled at-risk youth,” Bittman said. “Our research showed how playing music can help them move past their perceived obstacles and build new bridges.”

namm.org