https://doi.org/10.1177/0255761418796864 International Journal of Music Education 2019, Vol. 37(1) 59–77 © The Author(s) 2018 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/0255761418796864 journals.sagepub.com/home/ijm Psychological benefits of networking technologies in children’s experience of ensemble music making Fidelma Hanrahan School of Psychology, University of Sussex, UK Ed Hughes School of Media, Film and Music, University of Sussex, UK Robin Banerjee School of Psychology, University of Sussex, UK Alice Eldridge School of Media, Film and Music, University of Sussex, UK Chris Kiefer School of Media, Film and Music, University of Sussex, UK Abstract Little is currently known about the possible benefits of using networked technology to enhance ensemble performance. This study explored whether the introduction of specially devised technology – networked tablets using traditional music notation – to a primary school orchestra would enhance the experience of ensemble music. Particular emphasis was placed on how the technology could help children to overcome practical problems associated with ensemble playing for early-stage musicians (e.g., keeping in sync with other players), thereby leading to better engagement with the music and ultimately greater enjoyment. Findings from a thematic analysis of responses from a focus group with eight young orchestra players aged 9–11 years and from an interview with the orchestra conductor, together with indications from the statistical analysis of 28 orchestra participants’ questionnaire responses, suggest that the technology did help to Corresponding author: Fidelma Hanrahan, Research Fellow, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Pevensey 1, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 9QH, UK. Email: F.Hanrahan@sussex.ac.uk 796864IJM 0 0 10.1177/0255761418796864International Journal of Music EducationHanrahan et al. research-article 2018 Article