The influence of music on black, Asian and minority ethnic women working in the field of domestic violence and abuse: critical reflection on music as method

Background: Arts-based research practices draw upon music, visual art, poetry and other media as methodological tools throughout the research process. There is also growing recognition of the contribution of arts-based practices, including music as method, to interdisciplinary fields of health, social sciences, humanities and education. Research into: i) the role of music as a therapeutic intervention; and ii) the use of creative approaches to practice development are clearly evident in the literature. What is less evident is the role of music as method. This article is a critical reflection on the novel use of music recordings during qualitative interviews in a small-scale study exploring the role of music in the work and lives of black, Asian and minority ethnic women working in a UK domestic violence and abuse charity. Aim: To describe a critical reflection on music as method in a small-scale qualitative research study. Implications for practice: Music has potential as a model and method in qualitative health and social care research practice, particularly with sensitive topics such as drug misuse or homelessness Music is a means of developing compassion and critically reflective practice development in the field of domestic violence and abuse and other areas of practice