Nicola McAteer

I am undertaking a PhD in partnership between ISJ and the International Centre for Community Music with supervision by Professor Lee Higgins exploring community music’s journey through a global pandemic, specifically within the realm of mental health and wellbeing.

COVID-19 has shed new light on the gross injustice of public health inequality and my action research intends to challenge this through exploring the role of digital environments within community music practice.

I previously completed a MSc in Music in the Community in 2009 at the University of Edinburgh with supervision from Professor Nigel Osborne on my exploratory research study into the use of music as a self-advocacy tool for people with learning disabilities including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. I have been a community musician for over 15 years working with vulnerable people within communities including those with disabilities, poor mental health and wellbeing, trauma, dementia, families of early years and SEN and also those who are newly arrived to the UK and asylum seekers. I am a passionate advocate for using music as a catalyst for social purpose and change.