The use of songwriting with college students for self-expression and self-reflection

Abstract

This study is a phenomenological approach to explore college students’ experiences in songwriting. Four college students participated in a songwriting experience, and completed interviews at two points in the process to learn the essence of their experience in this research. The first interview occurred immediately after the songwriting experience and the second interview was arranged within three days after the first. Data was manually coded. Six major themes were found including enjoyable, frustration, sense of achievement, insight, stress, and relief. Three themes of the songwriting products were sleep deprivation, financial hardship, and intimate relationships. Relatable results and questions emerged are discussed.