Young people healing and growing in trauma-informed positive music education

Abstract

Trauma-informed positive education (TIPE) is a recent approach that combines trauma-informed practices and strengths-based positive psychology. This study investigated how young people use music to heal and grow in a community music education programme informed by TIPE. A narrative inquiry was conducted at an Australian community music organisation supported by a global record label to offer a specialised programme developing music and life skills for youth experiencing adversity, such as mental illness, homelessness, abuse, and discrimination. Data were generated by participation and observation in programme sessions, and individual narrative share and tell interviews were conducted with three programme participants. Stories, including drawing and music, were co-constructed with youth to reveal how they use music, particularly songwriting, to increase self-regulation, develop relational capabilities, and act as a psychological resource for wellbeing. Findings reveal how trauma-informed positive music education can support young people through life’s challenges and provide lessons for school education.