Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe and discuss the affective, cognitive, and physical events that occur when people gather to make music. Using a theoretical framework derived from community music therapy and sociology of music, this work focuses on the experiences and perceptions of five women who participated in music therapy group work. Structured observation was used to register the participants’ affective, cognitive, and physical manifestations during the group work. Results suggested that music therapy collective music making stimulated participants to interact and develop different forms of feeling, thinking, and acting. Making music together encouraged participants to think about their feelings, roles, and judgments, reflecting that the collective experience promoted positive changes in their lives.
Highlights
People who gather to make music together share a sociocultural experience
The starting point of this research is the belief that affective, cognitive, and physical events may occur within the group space while participants make music together
This paper presents findings of music therapy work group conducted by a team of six last-year undergraduate students and their teacher
Summary
People who gather to make music together share a sociocultural experience. Making music collectively involves the communication of thoughts, feelings, values, and body expressions that are socially constructed conventions (Martin, 1995). From chamber orchestras to open sky band festivals, collective musical practices bring together a large number of individuals whose common objective encompasses singing, playing, or listening to music. This millenary human practice has been repeated through the centuries ranging from ancient rituals to modern choirs and bands (Sloboda, 2008). Based on these statements, the starting point of this research is the belief that affective, cognitive, and physical events may occur within the group space while participants make music together. The research followed Blacking’s (1995, p. 32) assumption that music reflects people's experiences in society, so when people make music together, they share aspects of their own lives
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have