Disseminating Knowledge with Music

Abstract

The Delphi method was used to investigate the use of music in knowledge dissemination by systematically accessing and synthesizing the knowledge of researchers and musicians who have used this particular artistic method in research. The expert panel included six researchers (three also identifying as musicians) and 1 musician/composer who had used music as a tool to disseminate research findings in formal research. Two rounds of online Delphi questionnaires were used to generate data, which were analyzed inductively. Findings included eight categories of consensus reached amongst participants: (a) music can reach a larger audience than traditional research dissemination tools, (b) music can convey a variety of research topics, sometimes multiple concepts all at once, by telling a story, (c) music evokes emotional, visceral, and embodied responses and creates connections between individuals through a shared experience, (d) music provides a way to express knowledge or ideas either differently or, in some circumstances, better then language because music can create interest, is emotional, inspiring, and universal to all humans, (e) music is valid and acceptable to use for all research projects and there is no singular procedure for using music to disseminate research findings, (f) using music for the purposes of knowledge dissemination is complex, time-consuming, and requires expertise, (g) using music to disseminate knowledge is acceptable to use as a standalone or supporting methodology, however regardless of the methodology the intent of the research is fundamental, and (h) the current research ethical standards used for music in research are sufficient, however no ethical procedures for knowledge translation research exists. The current study’s findings extend knowledge and understanding about the use of music in research dissemination, and have implications for future research and research practice.