Musical experience and the pursuit of music therapy: the influence of active music making
Keyword
Research Subject Categories::HUMANITIES and RELIGION::Aesthetic subjects::MusicResearch Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Education
Music therapists -- Training of
Music therapy -- Vocational guidance
Music therapists -- Study and teaching
Qualitative research
Date Published
2020-12Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This qualitative study explores the relationship between one’s musical experience and the decision to become and remain a professional music therapist. This study includes interviews with six board certified music therapists ranging from 4-15 years of experience in the field. Three questions were asked during the interview process regarding the lived musical experience of these therapists: 1) Describe the role of active music making throughout your life; 2) What do you perceive as the relationship between music experience and choosing music therapy as a career?; and 3) What role does active music making play in your decision to maintain a career in music therapy? Once the interview process was complete, a thematic analysis was done to formulate main themes and codes within the interviews. These themes and codes were then supported by interview quotes as a form of evidence. After reviewing all findings, a reflection was done focusing on the key aspects of the interviews and personal thoughts regarding the results. These key aspects included the participants’ relationship to music, active music making experiences, competencies, primary education, educational privilege, collegiate education, and self-identity.Collections
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