NeuroMusic: A Randomised-Controlled Trial of a Music-Based Training Program for Memory Difficulties

Music-based training programs: The goal for both music interventions is to complete 19 hours of group training over 12 weeks. All participants will be requested to attend a 2-hour training session, once a week (minimum request of 80% participation). Lessons will be delivered by professional musicians from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Each session has been structured with an initial 15-minute warm-up followed by a short review of material (10-min) and the remaining portion of the class will focus on learning and practising new skills and concepts. Participants will also have a 25-minute socialisation opportunity at the end of each session. Participants are expected to achieve some repertoire each week and to work progressively on a larger repertoire. There will be no overall pressure on perfection, rather encouragement to attempt activities and participate. Instructors will focus on gradual levels of short-term achievement. Each training program will take place at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in groups of up to 12 for each intervention. The choir group may be supplemented with other participants from previous control groups after their 36 week follow up, if they choose to join. Progress will be recorded for each participant during each class session. Practice outside of the training session will be encouraged but will not be mandatory. If participants decide to practice at home, they will be provided with weekly guidance and given access to support resources. Participants will be asked to record their practice (e.g. time spent, type of activity) in a workbook provided by the instructor. At week 12, participants will be invited to be part of an optional group performance for the team and the other group. The first 90 participants will be invited to receive a 60 minute 3T MRI brain scan at baseline and a scan for 45 minutes 12 weeks post intervenion. a) Keyboard intervention (arm 1): Participants allocated to the keyboard intervention arm will receive keyboard lessons. Keyboard training will consist of basic piano technique and literature, music theory and dexterity exercises. At each training session, participants are expected to perform some piano repertoire and technique (finger dexterity exercises/ scales). Each lesson will include opportunities to alternate between skill development in a group setting or individual practice. To encourage practice outside of the training session, a keyboard will be provided to each participant. b) Choral singing intervention (arm 2): The choral singing sessions will involve different strategies to learn new songs, practice listening to other participants, synchronizing personal singing parts with the rest of the choir and review of previously learned songs. The repertoire will consist of various forms of canon and rounds. The songs are selected according to different degrees of popularity and difficulty to challenge participants to adapt to their level. The choir will be accompanied by the Conductor, but there will also be options for a cappella repertoire and backing tracks if needed. A subset of participants will be asked to attend semi-structured interviews and focus groups, via an 'opt-in' system. These will be conducted by trained members of the music team. Focus groups will be all together and interviews will be one-on-one. Focus groups and interviews will be held until thematic saturation.