The Music and Social Sciences Research Group (MUST) at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre was established in 2023. MUST brings together EAMT researchers from diverse backgrounds, consolidating expertise in music psychology, music sociology, policy analysis, and liaison with music therapists working in Estonia. Our research group is interdisciplinary, flexible and innovative, with strong regional expertise in the Nordic and Baltic countries, and maintains collaborations with professional non-profit organisations (the Estonian Society for Musicology and the Estonian Music Therapy Association). The researchers have extensive experience in applying a wide range of methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, experimental, and artistic research methods. It is a content-based horizontal research group encompassing ongoing projects, led by different members of the group.
The research group:
Marju Raju, Research Fellow (Music Psychology)
Kaari Kiitsak-Prikk, Senior Lecturer (Cultural Management)
Brigitta Davidjants, Senior Research Fellow (Musicology)
Jaak Sikk, Pianist and Artistic Researcher
Einike Leppik, Composer and Music Therapist
Annukka Jyrämä, Professor of Cultural Management
Allan Vurma, Professor of Musicology
Students: Veeda Kala (Junior Research Fellow, Musicology), Tuuri Dede (Doctoral Student, Opera), Tuuli Põhjakas (Master’s Student, Musicology), Maris Mihašova (Music Culture). Alumni: Anita Maasalu (2024, MA), Janika Mesi (2023, MA), Jelizaveta Bukina (2024, MA).
Ongoing research projects and partnerships:
- The impact of subcultural (pop) music on the ideologisation of 21st-century Estonian youth and their mental health (01.01.2023–31.12.2027)
- The role of cultural events in the social inclusion of young people with special needs (01.01.2026–31.12.2026)
- Improving the intelligibility of sung text: challenges and scientific foundations (01.01.2022–31.12.2026)
- Self-Determined Mental Creative Space Through Improvisation (01.11.2025–31.12.2026)
- Inclusive Wellbeing Through Arts and Culture in the Baltics (01.11.2024–31.10.2026)