Research study at Royal College of Music London

Welcome to the information page for all those parents (also known a superhumans!) who are interested in attending an online research focus group.

Babies can cry a lot and this is tough for so many parents and carers. Around the globe - and throughout history - parents have turned to music to help. They try humming or singing lullabies, or play music to their babies, or listen to their favourite music. These are just a few examples. Much of this music is used by parents who wouldn't describe themselves as singers or musicians. Turning to music seems like a natural thing to do.

I'm Debi Graham, a parent, researcher, founder of FirstMusic, kind person, and survivor of baby crying. I'm chatting with other parents in relaxed discussion groups (a participatory approach). I call it the "FirstMusic Research Roadshow"! As lived experience experts, parents are helping to suggest and discuss musical support for families experiencing baby crying and linked challenges like loneliness and isolation. Parents helping parents! This study was approved by the Royal College of Music's Research Ethics Committee on 25 May 2024 (certificate number: 240501).

A goody bag with £10 voucher, lovely soft toy, and other nice things show parents our appreciation for their time given to the research.

If you are interested in taking part, please take a look at the information sheet for parents (no pressure to take part at all!) HERE. 

If you would like to go ahead, please complete the consent form HERE which also gives you some date/time options to choose. I'll then be in touch to confirm everything and send a zoom meeting link (you don't need zoom to open the discussion group link). It'll be a small group (me plus around 4-5 parents). 

I really appreciate you taking the time to read all this and for your interest in the study. I'm here to help and can be contacted on either debi@firstmusic.uk or debi.graham@rcm.ac.uk

I'm sending peaceful wishes for the rest of your day!

Debi

Debi Graham

Founder | FirstMusic | Final year PhD candidate RCM