Reflective writing in a community music project with students in higher music education

Abstract

Meet4Music (M4M) is a low-threshold community music program based at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, Austria, offering free participatory sessions to people from all social and cultural backgrounds, including students. The program allows attendees to experience an emerging field of music pedagogy and approach current challenges of migration and cultural diversity from an artistic perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore how students considered and reflected on their M4M experiences. Research questions included the following: (1) How did students consider the experience of making music in a heterogeneous ensemble, and what meanings might they have made from it? And, (2) What aspects of M4M may have contributed to artistic and interpersonal enrichment, and in what ways? We examined meanings developed across the various practices involved in this artistic initiative, with a specific focus on the students’ experiences. To do so, qualitative data based on their written reflections are presented, analyzed, and discussed. Findings include attributions for M4M and personal impact. Themes center on a holistic understanding of the musical community of the program and students’ reflexive and responsive attitudes. Implications include refining notions of artistic citizenship and recommendations for higher music education.