2026/27 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MUS5251M Facilitating Music in Communities

30 Credits Class Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Hyunah Cho
Email: h.cho@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2026/27

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module offers a practical introduction to using music as a tool to support the wellbeing of others in different community contexts. You will explore how musical activities can be applied to meet the needs of different participants, learning how to facilitate community enhancement through music-making. Throughout the module, you will work in groups, developing the skills needed to design, deliver, and adapt musical activities for a range of community settings, such as an accessible singing group, or drumming circle. A key feature of the module is hands-on experience by having the opportunity to develop and lead musical activities using a variety of strategies and tools, reflect on your practice, and refine your approach in response to participants and organisational contexts. By the end of the module, you will have gained valuable insight into how musicians can use their skills to support wellbeing, developed strong reflective and facilitation skills, and built a foundation of practical experience. This is an ideal module for students who want to expand their musical skill set and make a meaningful impact through music. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.

Objectives

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to facilitate musical activities that support wellbeing in different community settings. To achieve this, learning activities are designed to enable students to:

- Develop an understanding of how to design and deliver musical activities that are appropriate and effective within a variety of community contexts;
- Explore the value of music for individual wellbeing and community bonding, examining the diverse impacts musical engagement can have on participants;
- Gain hands-on experience in leading musical activities, using a range of strategies and tools, while learning to reflect upon and adapt practice to meet participants’ needs;
- Strengthen reflective and evaluative skills that are essential for adjusting practice in response to different organisational environments and participant groups; and
- Build a practical toolkit of strategies and resources that can be applied confidently across a range of community music settings.

These objectives work together to provide a solid foundation for students wishing to understand how music can be used to support and enhance wellbeing and further advance their skills in this area.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:

1. Apply a range of theoretical approaches, practical skills and strategies to design musical activities for relevant community contexts;
2. Design and deliver structured musical activities that respond to the needs, goals, and contexts of specific community groups;
3. Critically evaluate the designed musical activities, including their potential to contribute to community enhancement;
4. Reflect critically on your developing skills as a practitioner;
5. Articulate how your skills can be applied in community contexts;
6. Engage with and respond to the needs of a range of stakeholders in communities

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Fieldwork 1 2 2
Practical 7 2 14
Seminar 2 2 4
Private study hours 280
Total Contact hours 20
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 300

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Students will submit draft work relating to the Report and diaries during the semester which will be discussed during taught sessions (workshops);
- The staff will periodically provide verbal comments on aspects arising from the reflective diaries as well as additional reflections during taught sessions (workshops);
- Students will be trained to provide peer support (in one of the workshops), and they will also provide formative feedback to each other during the practical workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
Reflective log Reflective Diaries 50
Report Report 50
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 06/03/2026

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team