Playing in a brass band can help people overcome depression and anxiety

Playing in a brass band can help people overcome depression and anxiety, a University of Sheffield study has found. 

Researchers found that playing instruments such as the tuba or trumpet in an ensemble can help to relieve stress, and improve anxiety and depression. 

Sheffield University scientists circulated a questionnaire among current brass band players, asking them about the positive and negative effects of playing in a band.

The responses revealed that the overwhelming majority of players felt that performing in a brass band had improved their mental health. 

“One has to concentrate on the music and in doing so abandons, if only for short periods, the everyday worries and concerns that we all experience,” said one participant. 

Another added: “Having suffered from depression and anxiety I can confirm that playing in a brass band has helped me through several difficult patches in my life.” 

The research also found that brass band players made new friends, feel part of a community and enjoyed a sense of belonging from being part of a group of musicians.

Another musician, who had started playing relatively late in life, said: "If you are prepared to spend the time and effort to master a brass instrument, you will never be lonely or bored again.

"There are so many bands out there and many are crying out for players, that you could be out every day of the week playing with some band.

"This in turn will lead to great social interaction with people of similar musical interests."

Dr Michael Bonsor, from the University of Sheffield's Department of Music, said: "Our research has clearly shown that playing in brass bands can be beneficial for individual physical, psychological and social well-being.

"Players report perceived improvements in respiratory and cardiovascular health, general fitness, cognitive skills, mental well-being and social engagement.

"Our survey respondents particularly valued the opportunities for community building, reporting a sense of social bonding and belonging, not only within the brass band world but also through their band's musical role in a range of public events and fundraising activities for the wider community."

He added: "We are hoping that these findings will encourage people to participate in this sociable way of contributing to our physical and mental health."

The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology: Performance Science.