Updated November 14, 2024
Hello and welcome!
We will start recruitment for the UCSF Music Training Study soon!
Important information:
- Open to adults 60 and over
- You will be randomly assigned to one of the study groups described below. That is, you
have a 50/50 chance (like flipping a coin) of being assigned to either the piano improvisation or music listening group. - No music experience necessary. Beginners encouraged
- Study involves 90-minute sessions weekly for 12 weeks
- Participation is voluntary and all information will be kept private
- Participants will receive up to $100 for the completion of the surveys
Julene Johnson, PhD is the Principal Investigator of the Music Training Study.
Why is this study being done?
The purpose of this study is to understand how music training affects thinking abilities and well-being
in older adults. This study is funded by the National Institutes of Health.
What will happen if I take part in this research study? If you agree, the following procedures will occur:
Music Training: Piano or Music Listening
You will be randomly assigned to one of the study groups described below. That is, you
have a 50/50 chance (like flipping a coin) of being assigned to one group or the other.
You will be asked to complete 12 weeks of piano improvisation or music listening and
attend an introductory training at a community center. We will also ask you to practice at
home (4-5 times a week for 30 minutes) and keep a log of your practice.
- Attend weekly piano or music listening training taught by a professional instructor. The sessions will last approximately 90 minutes with a break. There will be breaks for holidays.
- The music training sessions will be in-person at the community center.
If Assigned to Piano Training:
You will attend weekly piano
improvisation training at a
community center.
You will receive a piano keyboard
to practice at home.
If Assigned to Music Listening Training:
You will attend weekly music
listening training at a community
center.
You will receive a tablet computer
to practice music listening at home.
Complete Pre-Training and Post-Training Surveys
You will be asked to complete surveys before and after the music training.
We will ask you questions about your health and how you feel.
The surveys will take place in-person .
Study location: The music training will take place at community centers and individual
practice will take place at home.
How long will I be in the study?
Participation in the study will take a total of about 4 hours a week for 12 weeks with an
introductory session. This will include a weekly 90-minute music training session at the
community center and practice at your home 30 minutes a day (4-5 days a week).
Can I stop being in the study?
Yes. You can decide to stop at any time. Just tell the researcher or staff person if you wish to
stop being in the study. Also, the researcher may stop you from taking part in this study at any
time if they believe it is in your best interest, if you do not follow the study rules, or if the study
is stopped.
What side effects or risks can I expect from being in the study?
- Piano Training: You may become fatigued, stressed, frustrated or uncomfortable while playing the piano. You may experience musculoskeletal injury or pain particularly in the hands, wrists, shoulders, neck and back. The process of learning a new musical skill may cause fatigue, stress, or produce unpleasant feelings. Tell your instructor if you need a break or want to end the session.
- Music Listening Training: Listening to and discussing music may cause fatigue, stress or unpleasant feelings. Tell your instructor if you need a break or want to end the session.
- Surveys: You may become fatigued, stressed, or experience unpleasant feelings while completing the surveys. You will be able to take a break. You can also reschedule or end the session.
Are there benefits to taking part in the study?
There will be no direct benefit to you from participating in this study. However, the information
that you provide may help researchers better understand about how music training might impact
thinking and well-being.
What other choices do I have if I do not take part in this study?
You are free to choose not to participate in the study. If you decide not to take part in this study,
there will be no penalty to you.
How will my information be used?
Researchers will use your information to conduct this study. Once the study is done using your
information, we may use the information collected for future research studies or share them with
other researchers so they can use them for other studies in the future. We will not share your
name or any other personal information. We cannot guarantee that this will prevent future
researchers from determining who you are. We will not ask you for additional permission to
share this de-identified information.
Will information about me be kept private?
Participation in research may involve a loss of privacy, but information about you will be
handled as confidentially as possible. To keep your information confidential, we will do several
things. We will assign a study number so that your name is not in the research data. We will keep
the study key locked in a secure file at UCSF and digital files will be deidentified.
We will do our best to make sure that the personal information gathered for this study is kept
private. However, we cannot guarantee total privacy. Your personal information may be given
out if required by law. If information from this study is published or presented at scientific
meetings, your name and other personal information will not be used.
Authorized representatives from the following organizations may review your research data for
the purpose of monitoring or managing the conduct of this study:
Representatives of the National Institutes of Health
Representatives of the University of California
Are there any costs to me for taking part in this study?
No. The sponsor has agreed to pay for all items associated with this research study; you or your
insurer will not be billed.
Will I be paid for taking part in this study?
In return for your time and effort, you will be paid up to $100 for completing the surveys.
What are my rights if I take part in this study?
Taking part in this study is your choice. You may choose either to take part or not to take part in
the study. If you decide to take part in this study, you may leave the study at any time. No
matter what decision you make, there will be no penalty to you in any way. You will not lose any
of your regular benefits, and you can still get your care from our institution the way you usually
do.
Who can answer my questions about the study?
You can talk to the researchers about any questions, concerns, or complaints you have about
this study.
For more information, please call
(415) 353-7660
Learn more about Dr. Julene Johnson:
Dr. Johnson and her team have a long history of working with the San Francisco community.20 years ago, she teamed up with nonprofit partners to launch a study on the impact of choirs on older adults. She was interviewed on KALW about that project.