Feminist literature on women's involvement in music has predominantly focused on western art music and the relationship women have with feelings versus a rational approach to writing music. Little consideration has been given to women's music practices in everyday settings, including early years education. This thesis explores women's accounts of writing songs or working with young children in terms of what factors are involved in them having a successful relationship with music. Findings are drawn from a qualitative study in which fifteen interviews were undertaken with women between the ages of 20 and 78 in which singing was an element of their musical practice. A horizontal and vertical analysis was used to explore the nature of the women's relationship with music. This study suggests that for the women engaged in writing songs for adult consumption, the development of a long-term commitment to participate involved four key ingredients, which were: finding the 'right' genre, music becoming an important means of expression, a sense of choice concerning the materials one works with, and developing a positive relationship with music. Although there was a strong emotional connection with music, for the women involved in music on a professional basis no linkage with well-being was made. In contrast, many of the women involved in music on an amateur basis or working with young children, were found to engage in music practices in which well-being was enhanced. This caused music to playa crucial role in their everyday lives. This was the case regardless of the level of skill already acquired.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:549641 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Scott-Melton, Fiona |
| Contributors | Boyce-Tillman, June ; Daykin, Norman ; Redford, Paul |
| Publisher | University of Winchester |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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