Making Music That Matters: Positive Music Leadership for Social Health

This book presents a transformative vision for musicians seeking meaningful careers while revitalising community wellbeing. In an era of unprecedented social disconnection, this groundbreaking book weaves together positive and social psychology, leadership studies, and interpersonal neurobiology to illuminate powerful pathways for musicians to engage in rewarding work with profound social impact.

Through evidence-based frameworks and compelling case studies, this book provides practical strategies for musicians to harness their strengths, foster belonging within diverse groups, and articulate their work’s value as a public health resource. Organised in three parts--focused on leading leading self, leading others, and understanding context--the chapters include frameworks for identifying strengths, creating energising relationships, building group identities, and developing systems thinking, alongside reflective exercises and real-world applications. Readers will discover how to create transformative musical experiences that build personal fulfilment and strengthen community connections.

This accessible book speaks to musicians seeking to diversify their career portfolios, educators developing future music leaders, and health professionals interested in harnessing music’s connective power through innovative social programs. It reveals how approaching musicianship as positive leadership creates dual impact--enriching both musicians’ careers and the social health of the communities they serve.

Melissa Forbes is Associate Professor of Contemporary Singing at the University of Southern Queensland and a leading advocate for the transformative power of music, particularly singing. Her music career spans performance, higher music education, research, and community engagement. Melissa’s work bridges academic research with practical community music leadership, demonstrating music’s role in supporting social health and quality of life.