International Journal of Education & the Arts

Citation: Varvarigou, M. (2023). Student musicians’ reflection on their experiences of belonging whilst serving others: Findings from a three-year arts-based service-learning programme on therapeutic community music. International Journal of Education & the Arts, 24(7). Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.26209/ijea24n7

This exploratory study reports findings from an arts-based service-learning (ABSL) programme where student musicians facilitated therapeutic community music (TCM) (Aigen, 2012) for, with, and alongside children and seniors in different community settings. The data primarily comprised student musicians’ reflective logs and feedback forms and were analysed through a quality of life lens (Raphael, 2002). This paper discusses the student musicians’ reported experiences of belonging (Raphael, 2002). Belonging manifested itself in physical, social, and community aspects. For example, facilitating TCM within a circular format helped the student musicians experience deeper social interactions and a greater sense of inclusion. Moreover, the sense of belonging became a resource for developing resilience, expressing creativity, building professional networks, and experiencing the possibilities of their careers. The study concludes with implications for embedding ABSL in higher education programmes to support learning, enhance well-being, and promote community.