Magical
Musical
Mycology

Finding magic in mushrooms
Our Mission

Project Goals

What We Are Trying to Accomplish

Vision

We engage and empower people to create music freely and without judgement by providing tools that allow creation of music through play.

Mission

To give people the confidence and tools to create musical experiences in their own lives.

✦ Big Hairy Audacious Goal ✦

To remove the barriers people put up between themselves and playing music with others.

Why Music (and Creating It) Matters

Making music in groups is important for humans.

Promotes Well-Being

Promotes well being.

Grape et al., 2002 — Integr. Physiol. Behav. Sci.

Helps Form Social Bonds

Helps form social bonds.

Kreutz, 2014 — Music Med.

Raises Endorphin Levels

Raises endorphin levels.

Dunbar et al., 2012 — Evolut. Psychol.

Improves Mental Health

Improves mental health.

Grindley et al., 2011 — Victorian Health Promotion Foundation

Is Fun!

Arbitrary and personal observation.

* Personal observation
"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity."
— Billy Joel

Identified Barriers

What Gets in the Way

Misplaced Politeness

People view talking or interacting with performing musicians as "interrupting".

False Preconceptions

Societal reinforcement of having to study extensively to be "allowed" to make music.

Lack of Knowledge

Even if able to overcome prior points, hard for people to figure out how to engage in a vacuum.

Summary of Learnings

How We Respond

Open the Doors

Welcoming people into a space where music can be created.

Remove Judgment

Using play as a method for people to interact with music.

Leverage Existing Skills

Singing, clapping, and call and response as a foundation.

Visual Feedback

Continually reinforcing progress for the participants.

Gently Lead

Guiding people through experiences, not just hoping they figure things out.

Have Fun

Making sure the interaction brings joy at every stage.