Parental insights into the benefits and feasibility of community-based music enrichment programs for children in economically disadvantaged areas

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds have an elevated risk for poor health and developmental outcomes. Families are less likely to participate in interventions if they feel they have been targeted because they fit a particular demographic profile. There is a need for interventions that can engage families from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. Community-based music enrichment (CBME) programs support a strength-based approach by drawing upon family behaviors like listening to music and singing with their children. Currently, little is known about the extent to which families from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds would be interested in or have access to CBME programs. The aims of this study were to (1) understand the home music environment of families from low SES backgrounds, (2) investigate family interest and perceptions of developmental benefits in CBME programs, and (3) identify perceived barriers to CBME programs. This study used 15 semi-structured interviews with parents of children 2-years old or younger from low-SES backgrounds. Qualitative coding and thematic analysis revealed that parents use music with their children at home, and are interested in and believe music programs can benefit their children. Location and schedule are major barriers that prevent families from engaging in music programs. Based on current findings, novel program development ideas are discussed.