A Narberth woman who recently completed a PhD in examining the music tastes of those that grew up in the era of vinyl is hoping to tune into some exciting events for Pembrokeshire in 2016.

Dr. Julia Jones’s masters degree research in 1998, which was published two years later, examined the motivational effects of music exercise, and was featured on BBC1’s Pebble Mill and breakfast television.

It remains a leading body of work in the exercise to music research field, and most recently Julia has followed up the findings by completing six years of part-time research examining the music tastes of the UK population aged 40-plus, and how their ‘rock, pop passion’ can be harnessed to deliver commercial returns, health benefits and social impact.

Julia, who formed her first band in 1985 and released a 33rpm debut of original songs in 2003 to mark her 33rd birthday, aims in 2016 to develop a touring educational project under the banner of ‘The Science of Music’, featuring speakers and musicians who have Doctorates in contemporary music and health fields.

“The events would focus on public lectures featuring live music, but be 100 per cent entertainment, featuring leading academics from around the world coupled with featured artists,” explained Julia, who began a professional career as a sport and exercise psychologist in 1993, working with Olympic squads, celebrities, business leaders and leading entrepreneurs, using music to motivate and inspire.

“The rock and pop music taste of the current 40-65 demographic can be harnessed to deliver multiple health effects throughout their lifetime,” continued Julia, who has been a visiting lecturer at universities in the UK and USA since 1993.

Julia’s mum Enid Jones, a medical secretary at Withybush Hospital for 30 years, still lives in Narberth, while her late father was a big rugby man in the town, as treasurer of Pembs Youth, Welsh Youth Rugby and Narberth Rugby for many years until he passed away of a sudden heart attack.

“I’d like to bring some guest speakers and featured artists to Narberth in 2016 if I can find a team of dynamic locals to help make it happen,” explained Julia, who recently spoke of her music research to legendary radio presenter Johnnie Walker on his show ‘Sounds of the 70s’ on Radio 2, which you can hear by clicking on the following link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02zvw86

You can also hear the new 45rpm single that Julia is releasing as part of her research at www.generationmusicclub.com which is available for pre-order from iTunes now.