Musical Events Research Articles

MUSICAL EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES IN THE PANCHO VLADIGEROV HOUSE MUSEUM – SOFIA AND THE BORIS CHRISTOV MUSEUM

A visit to a museum can offer a range of benefits to students. This is also true of the Pancho Vladigerov House Museum in Sofia and the Boris Hristov Museum, which provide the opportunity to implement various musical and educational events. The direct engagement with historical documents and artifacts and the immersion in the creative atmosphere of the musicians' homes, provide students with a unique emotional experience. This experience fosters respect and reverence for art, while also promoting awareness of national identity and instilling a sense of pride. The museum acts as a mediator between music teachers in mainstream schools and professional musicians, facilitating contact between them in their common goal of educating, nurturing, and preparing children and young people for the concert halls.

Let the Music Play: Live Music Fosters Collective Effervescence and Leads to Lasting Positive Outcomes.

This work examined the power of live music events to enhance wellbeing through collective effervescence (CE)-the sense of sacredness and connection felt when in large groups. Four studies (N = 789) using both university and community samples examined the relationship between live music events and CE and how this relationship contributes to positive, lasting outcomes. Results suggest that CE is highly related to positive outcomes associated with attending live music events. CE uniquely predicted meaning in life and enjoyment during the event above and beyond related constructs. Feeling CE was also related to greater meaning in life during the event and continued happiness a week after live music events. Further, CE mediated effects between various elements of live music events (e.g., parasocial bonds with the artist) and positive lasting outcomes. In summary, CE plays a key role in the lasting wellbeing that follows live music events.

Artistic expression as a property of resonant musical experience: an interview study with upper secondary school music teachers

Background The curriculum for the courses given at the music specialization of the upper secondary school’s aesthetic program in Sweden includes the concept of artistic expression (AE). Being a criterion for assessment, no definition is provided by the National Agency of Education and there exists no consensus of how to interpret artistic expression among music teachers and music teacher students. Methods In order to explore how teachers understand, teach, and assess the concept and phenomenon of artistic expression, twelve qualitative interviews with music teachers were conducted and analyzed through an open coding process. Results The findings show that the concept of artistic expression is multifaceted and evasive. The results focus on two analytic threads: (i) situatedness and (ii) entanglement. (i) AE is situated due to context-specific parameters which underpins the meaning of the concept in this particular educational setting. (ii) Furthermore, the phenomenon of artistic expression is entangled (a) with the ongoing relationship between teacher and student, and (b) in a temporally unfolding and interactive musical event. The phenomenon of artistic expression as entangled is discussed, primarily through Hartmut Rosa’s concept of resonance, which brings into focus the intersubjective character of aesthetic experience. Doing so questions understandings of – and assessment procedures surrounding – artistic expression that relies on skill-based interpretations or reductions of entanglement. One example of such reduction is assessment of recordings of student performances which limits (a) the relational perspective (if assessed by a third person) or (b) the entanglement with the musical event. The perspective of resonance brings forth the teacher’s role during a student performance as characterized by self-efficacy and active listening, thus co-constitutive of artistic expression. Conclusions The article concludes with reflections on how the findings may contribute to the continuous discussion on how scientific grounding and proven experience may inform both the music education at upper secondary school and music teacher education. The concept of resonance provides a possibility to reframe conceptions of artistic competence in art education as being grounded in intersubjective and relational terms, rather than being reified as a set of measurable skills, an understanding which in turn risks replacing learning with criteria compliance.

Predictors of Cigar, Cigarillo, and Little Cigar Initiation Among Hip Hop-Identifying Youth

Background: We explored predictors of cigar product initiation among Hip Hop-identifying U.S. youth using data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Fresh Empire evaluation. Participants were Hip Hop-identifying youth living in evaluation markets who had not initiated cigar product use at their first survey. Objectives: We modeled cigar product initiation odds using discrete time survival analysis logistic regression models as a function of factors related to one’s large social, physical, social/normative, and intrapersonal environment, and other tobacco use. Results: In the unique sample, 26.2% initiated cigar product use. Factors associated with higher cigar product initiation odds included: current/former (vs. non-susceptible never) cigarette smoking (odds ratio [OR]=5.35; p=.008); cigarette experimentation (vs. non-susceptible never smoking) (OR=3.26; p<.001); current (vs. never) e-cigarette use (OR=2.06; p<.001) and hookah use (OR=1.83; p=.011); having at least one friend who uses marijuana (OR=1.43; p=.008); high music use (OR=1.32; p=.035); household tobacco use (OR=1.26; p =.042); increased age (OR=1.18; p< .001); and higher sensation seeking (OR=1.16; p=.018). Youth reporting higher perceived smoking risks had lower cigar product initiation odds (OR=0.86; p=.029) as did Hispanic (OR=0.53; p<.001) and non-Hispanic Other youth (OR= 0.68; p=.023) (vs. non-Hispanic Black youth). Conclusions: The finding that high music use predicted cigar product initiation should be considered in light of cigar brand sponsorship of musical artists and events and indicates a potential opportunity for counter messaging. Peer crowd segmentation in this study identified unique and differing factors that influence tobacco use risk among Hip Hop-identifying youth that are not found in the general population.

A Relational Approach to Event Sustainability: Applying Actor‐Network Theory and Foucauldian Discourse Analysis to a Music Event

The framing of event sustainability should go beyond the greening of specific events and the event sector. Based on a relational approach, we used actor‐network theory and Foucauldian discourse analysis to investigate the debate on a music event sustainability. We collected and discursively analyzed online newspapers and social media data regarding this event’s sustainability. The findings showed a polarized discourse characterized by conflicting views on, for example, nature, and three missing discourses–academic, local community, nonhuman–which we identified as alternative discourses and leverage points for greater sustainability. These findings allowed us to conceptualize event sustainability as a catalyzing network of actors, ideas, and relationships attracted to magnetic poles powered by different understandings of central concepts. This study proposes an understanding of event sustainability in relational terms and its contribution resides in the combination of actor‐network theory and Foucauldian discourse analysis as a possible approach to such understanding.

Improving Human Connections and Audience Satisfaction in Online Concerts and Music Conferences

Abstract Online concerts and music conferences are becoming increasingly necessary. Although online events bring numerous benefits, many event attendees find the online format unsatisfying, mainly because of the lack of human connections and social interactions in comparison with in-person music events. Guided by literature on networked music performance, online social presence, and social computing design principles, the authors designed and developed Deck 10 Intermedia, an online music event platform that aims to replicate human connections from in-person music events. The effectiveness of the system design and overall user satisfaction are evaluated using data collected from two global music events: the International Computer Music Conference 2021, and the Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance Practice 2021. The results indicate that the system was effective at restoring human connections and that users found the participation experience socially connected and satisfying. The results also led to design recommendations for future online music event systems.

Implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project for Preserving Local Traditions at MTsN 17 Jombang

This study aims to explore the implementation of the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) in preserving local traditions at MTsN 17 Jombang, East Java. As part of the Merdeka Curriculum, P5 seeks to integrate Pancasila values, including respect for local culture, into the educational process. This research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design, involving in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis as data collection techniques. The subjects of the study include the school principal, teachers, students, and community leaders involved in the P5 implementation. The findings indicate that the implementation of P5 at MTsN 17 Jombang successfully integrates local traditions into the curriculum through various activities such as traditional dance training, traditional music, handicrafts, and ceremonial events. This project not only enhances students' awareness of local culture but also involves the community in the preservation of traditions. Challenges encountered include limited resources and time for extracurricular activities, as well as the need for teacher training in managing cultural preservation activities. The study concludes that P5 can be an effective model for preserving local traditions through formal education. With the right approach, P5 at MTsN 17 Jombang can serve as a best practice example for integrating local culture into school curricula. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of culturally-based curricula in other schools across Indonesia.

Breaking (musical) boundaries by investigating brain dynamics of event segmentation during real-life music-listening

The perception of musical phrase boundaries is a critical aspect of human musical experience: It allows us to organize, understand, derive pleasure from, and remember music. Identifying boundaries is a prerequisite for segmenting music into meaningful chunks, facilitating efficient processing and storage while providing an enjoyable, fulfilling listening experience through the anticipation of upcoming musical events. Expanding on Sridharan et al.'s [Neuron 55, 521-532 (2007)] work on coarse musical boundaries between symphonic movements, we examined finer-grained boundaries. We measured the fMRI responses of 18 musicians and 18 nonmusicians during music listening. Using general linear model, independent component analysis, and Granger causality, we observed heightened auditory integration in anticipation to musical boundaries, and an extensive decrease within the fronto-temporal-parietal network during and immediately following boundaries. Notably, responses were modulated by musicianship. Findings uncover the intricate interplay between musical structure, expertise, and cognitive processing, advancing our knowledge of how the brain makes sense of music.

On the role of “tactile value” in cultural consumption: an empirical research in the live music industry

ABSTRACT To what extent does the sense of touch matter in cultural consumption? After an extended period of limited social gathering due to COVID-19, it is vital to assess the importance of physical contacts in cultural events. Focused on the live music industry, our paper addresses the following question: How important is the perception and experience of tactile value amongst festival- and concertgoers? For this purpose, we conducted a survey between September and November 2021 and collected 142 exploitable questionnaires. Our goal was to detect structural relationships between latent variables related to touch through a Structural Equation Model. The latter reveals the relative pleasantness of tactile value experienced by our respondents, with effects on their live music experience. In view of the importance of tactile value in live music events, we formulate several recommendations to practitioners and cultural policy in order to further take into account this variable in decision making.

Acceptance of a World Music Event in Fukuno, Japan

Acceptance of a World Music Event in Fukuno, Japan

Agent-based simulation of non-urgent egress from mass events in open public spaces

Public mass events require thorough planning on allocating resources such as paramedics, police officers, urban cleaning teams, and their equipment (ambulances, patrol cars, garbage collection trucks, and other urban cleaning vehicles). Testing different scenarios of event venue layout and crowd behavior at the end of an event might be useful to plan the event and said resource allocation.Our main objective is to model the non-urgent egress of participants at the end of an event, with possible applications for event management. That is when some resources are released (police and paramedics) and others are requested (urban cleaning teams).Using the agent-based GAMA platform, we implemented a spatially explicit simulation model upon an extension of the Social Force Model that considers group behavior, and a novel implementation of the “social retention” phenomenon, to simulate non-urgent egress from public space mass gathering events. Focus groups with architecture, geography, and urban ergonomics experts were conducted for face validation and improvement of the model.We present the outcome of a series of simulations of a scenario mimicking a real-life music event that took place in a square in downtown Lisbon, Portugal. Cell phone data captured during the event was used to calibrate the model. We analyzed model performance when the number of pedestrian agents increases, to assess the feasibility of using our approach in participatory discussions with stakeholders responsible for resources management.On average, the egress evolution obtained in the simulations fit well with the evolution of cell phone counts captured during the event. The behavior of groups of agents evidenced real-life phenomena, such as the persistence of group cohesion and repulsion interactions (both with architectural obstacles and other agents).Model performance degradation with the increasing number of agents may hamper the usage of this model/platform for participatory meetings, due to the incurred delay in obtaining results. To mitigate this problem, we plan to explore parallelization strategies for agent-based simulation, such as using GPUs.

Spatial Big Data Analytics of Inequity in Access to Live Music Among Disadvantaged Populations

In recent years, music cities around the world have developed various supportive policy frameworks ensuring live music is accessible to large populations. The question of whether live music is equitably distributed by socioeconomic status remains unanswered, however. This study investigated the accessibility of music events in socially and economically disadvantaged communities. The level of accessible concerts varies substantially across U.S. counties, revealing significant inequity in access to concerts. Almost 80 percent of concerts are located in 5 percent of counties. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, geographically weighted regression (GWR), and multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) methods were then employed to explore associations between accessible concerts and the socioeconomic characteristics of communities where these concerts are located. The regression models revealed that areas with a higher proportion of residents without a high school degree, higher unemployment rate, and higher poverty rate were less likely to have access to concerts, yet positive associations were found between accessible concerts and mean household income. Local R 2 values further confirmed the robustness of regression results of both GWR and MGWR and showed significant spatial nonstationarity of model performance. GWR and MGWR methods improved model performance significantly over the OLS method and proved how local conditions influence the OLS regression. The results from this study can guide decision makers and stakeholders in making appropriate policies to achieve equitable access to music events, especially for disadvantaged communities.

Music to Define a Generation: Factors Associated With Hearing Protection Use at Music Venues.

Excessive noise levels in music venues can negatively impact long-term hearing health. We investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with hearing protection use among music event attendees. Cross-sectional cohort. Adult participants (2,352) from online music forums completed a questionnaire assessing attendance at music events, hearing protection (HP) usage, type, and frequency, along with history of hearing-related symptoms and medical history. Primary outcome was defined as HP use at music venues. Data were characterized using descriptive statistics, paired t tests, and Pearson's chi-squared tests. Multivariable regression analysis elicited factors associated with any and regular HP use. Our 2,352 respondents were primarily male (61.3%) and on average 28.7 years old (SD = 7.0). Of the respondents, 60.6% reported using HP, and 33.2% reported regular use; high-fidelity earplugs were the most used HP type (57.5%). HP use was associated with significantly fewer reports of negative hearing-related symptoms. In a multivariable regression model, factors associated with less likelihood of HP use included being female (vs male, OR = 0.74, CI = [0.55-0.98]), less concern about effects on hearing (OR = 0.53, CI = [0.45-0.61]), and pop music event attendance (vs EDM, OR = 0.40, CI = [0.22-0.72]). Increased attendance frequency in the past year was associated with higher likelihood of regular HP use (OR = 1.07, CI = [1.04-1.09]). Decreased attendance duration was associated with decreased likelihood (OR = 0.09, CI = [0.03-0.33]). HP use prevalence was high, while frequent use remained low. HP use was significantly associated with reduced hearing-related symptoms. Demographic factors, otologic symp-tomology, and attendance-related characteristics were associated with HP use. These findings may guide interventions to increase adoption at music venues. 4.

Investigating the Impact of Event Experience on Satisfaction and Behavioural Intention of Music Event Audiences

Many music events, be it concerts or festivals, are being held worldwide, and Indonesia is one of them. Motivation to attend a music festival is an experience that is a balance between fun, self-reflection, and impact. Our objective is to investigate how event experience helps shape satisfaction and, in turn, leads to future behavioural intention. This study uses Partial Least Squares regression to investigate six hypotheses. A total of 206 individuals in Indonesia who attended concerts in the past six months were surveyed, with 150 valid responses, giving a 72.8% response rate. The result shows that event experiences that are escapism, entertainment, and esthetic factors positively affect consumer satisfaction among music festivals and concert attendees, with the exception of education. Furthermore, consumer satisfaction significantly increases the tendency to both recommend and revisit. Thus, this study shows that event organizers need to create a memorable experience to gain favourable behavioural intention. Keyword: behavioral intention; customer satisfaction; event experience; music event

Time-varying similarity of neural responses to musical tension is shaped by physical features and musical themes

The similarity of understanding is important for music experience and communication, but little is understood about the sources of this common knowledge. Although neural responses to the same piece of music are known to be similar across listeners, it remains unclear whether this neural response similarity is linked to musical understanding and the role of dynamic musical attributes in shaping it. Our study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship between neural response similarity, musical tension, and dynamic musical attributes. Using electroencephalography-based inter-subject correlation (EEG-ISC), we examined how the neural response similarity among listeners varies throughout the evaluation of musical tension in the first movement of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8. Participants continuously rated the degree of alignment between musical events and their expectations, while neural activity was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG). The results showed that neural response similarity fluctuated in tandem with musical tension, with increased similarity observed during moments of heightened tension. This time-varying neural response similarity was influenced by two dynamic attributes contributing to musical tension: physical features and musical themes. Specifically, its fluctuation was driven by physical features, and the patterns of its variation were modulated by musical themes, with similar time-varying patterns observed across similar thematic materials. These findings offer valuable insight into the role of dynamic musical attributes in shaping neural response similarity, and reveal an important source and mechanism of shared musical understandings.

Let there be Skyglow—light pollution from a large outdoor music festival (Lollapalooza Berlin 2016)

Live music is often linked to elaborate light shows, particularly at large outdoor music festivals. However, artificial light at night is one form of environmental pollution, light pollution, and because outdoor festivals emit a substantial amount of artificial light into the environment, they are a potential source of light pollution. So far, no studies that quantified the impact of such festivals on urban light pollution and skyglow exist. Here, the light pollution produced by a major rock festival (Lollapalooza Berlin 2016 with 70,000 visitors per day in an urban park) was investigated with ground-based radiometry and night-time light data. A small night-sky radiometer installed near the main stages and a calibrated digital camera from a nearby observation spot inside of the park were used to quantify changes in night sky brightness and direct light emissions within the park. The impact of the music festival on the urban skyglow was indeed measurable. Zenith luminance increased locally by up to a factor of 8 and illuminance increased by about 50% at the observation spot within the park. The radiance detected by night-time satellite was also increased during the festival. This is the first time, that light pollution from such a major rock music event was quantified.

The Evolution and Impact of Music Streaming and Event Booking Apps: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract: This research delves into the intricate process of developing a Music Streaming and Event Booking web application using Java, presenting a detailed exploration of the project's architecture, functionalities, and technological underpinnings. The application serves as a comprehensive platform catering to music enthusiasts, offering features such as seamless music streaming and convenient event booking. Through an extensive review of existing literature and platforms, the paper identifies key requirements and expectations, guiding the design and implementation phases. The project employs robust architecture, leveraging technologies such as Spring Boot and Hibernate to ensure scalability, performance, and maintainability. Additionally, it emphasizes user experience and interface design principles to enhance usability and engagement. The research documents the challenges encountered during development, including security considerations, scalability concerns, and integration complexities, and elucidates the strategies employed to overcome them. Through rigorous testing and quality assurance measures, the application achieves a high standard of reliability and functionality. The significance of this endeavor lies in its contribution to the field of music technology, providing valuable insights into the development process of modern web applications

Cultural branding of cities: the role of live music in building a city’s brand

ABSTRACT This research explores the role of live music infrastructure and music cultural identity in building a city’s brand through a multiple case study comparing the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Montreal, Canada. We conducted 60 interviews and observed 35 live music events in cities known for their strong live music traditions. The results show a relationship between live music infrastructure and identity that affects city branding. Rio’s music identity has developed from grassroots, while Montreal’s is shaped by government-funded efforts. Our findings suggest that a favorable infrastructure and environment can contribute to developing a city’s identity over time. Our study also highlights that when a city’s musical identity is strong, live music can survive in the city’s neighborhoods despite poor infrastructure. We discuss implications for academics, urban planners, and city branding professionals.

Inappropriate Behavior at Finnish Live Music Events

In this study, we concentrated on Finnish live music events, aiming to study audiences’ experiences of inappropriate behavior, particularly the effect of being a member of a minority in the risk of facing such behavior. The research data comprised 19,452 answers to two web surveys; 22% of males, 33% of females, and 64% of nonbinary persons had experienced some or several forms of inappropriate behavior at live music events. The large number of responses from minority group members allowed statistical analysis focusing on their experiences. Being a member of a minority significantly increases the risk of facing inappropriate behavior. The more minority groups a person belongs to, the more likely they are to become harassed or threatened. Event organizers should put more effort into ensuring the quality of experience of minority members, and they should be aware that the way they handle inappropriate behavior is reflected in their reputation.

Topic modelling of festival-visitors' opinions: A case study of Sziget Festival

The Sziget Festival is one of Europe’s biggest music events, held every August on the Óbuda Island in Budapest. The elements of festival experiences were analysed through social media opinions of Sziget Festival attendees published between 1 January 2014 and 31 July 2022, using structural topic model (STM) computer algorithm and latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA). Our findings support existing literature, showing that festival experiences are cognitive-affective in nature with key elements of socialisation, environment, and festival value, some of which are inter-connected. Although this kind of research is rare in tourism, our paper argues for its usefulness and provides an example of application, using consumer data to facilitate decision-making and support the festival industry. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research, as well as incorporating LDA with other qualitative and quantitative research.