Name
Family Musicking and Musical Togetherness - Early Childhood Music Sessions as Support Networks for Immigrant Families
Date & Time
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM
Description
This paper explores the role of early childhood music sessions in fostering informal support networks among immigrant families, drawing on two qualitative studies conducted with Polish parents of young children (0-4) in Iceland. The first study employed in-depth, semi-structured interviews with parents participating in family music sessions delivered in their heritage language. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. The interviews were conducted in Polish, transcribed, and translated following analysis. The second study implemented qualitative interview surveys, combining open-ended questions with Likert-scale items to capture nuanced perspectives on motivations, experiences, and perceived benefits. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to both datasets, ensuring a contextually sensitive approach.The findings underscore the centrality of Musical Togetherness in fostering the participants’ well-being. Parents identified the music sessions as vital spaces for building social connections, reducing feelings of isolation, and expanding informal support networks within the immigrant community and beyond. The sessions provided a safe, welcoming environment where families could share experiences, foster cultural continuity, and develop a sense of belonging. Notably, participation had a positive impact on parental well-being, which was attributed to the opportunities for relaxation and support experienced in the sessions. The meetings were also viewed as unique opportunities to combine family time with participation in social gatherings.The reported increase in musicking activities at home following participation in the meetings suggests that the benefits of participation extend beyond the immediate context of the sessions, potentially leading to lasting positive effects. These findings align with existing literature on early childhood group music sessions, which indicates their capacity to promote positive changes in family dynamics and well-being.The findings indicate that culturally sensitive early childhood music programmes can foster the establishment and expansion of informal support networks within immigrant communities. By recognising the importance of the community aspect of these sessions, and the central role Musical Togetherness plays in facilitating all other positive outcomes, educators and policymakers can better craft such programmes in order to support families with young children in culturally diverse environments.
Location Name
513C
Full Address
Palais des Congres - Montréal Convention Centre
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
Session Type
Paper Presentation
Presenting Author(s)
Adam Switala