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Well-Being through Live Music| A Heuristic Exploration

<p> Live music is a popular activity that many adults attend regularly. Qualitative research on live music from a listener&rsquo;s perspective and the meaning it brings to individuals&rsquo; lives is lacking. The purpose of this heuristic inquiry was to investigate the lived experience of attending live-music events from the perspective of adult concert-goers between the ages of 18 and 65 years. This phenomenon was explored through the primary research question, &ldquo;What is the experience of attending live-music events?&rdquo; </p><p> Eight co-researchers were selected to participate via a convenience sample recruitment strategy. Data was collected via open-ended interviews and analyzed through stages following the qualitative method of heuristic inquiry (Moustaskas, 1990). </p><p> Three main themes were found to be the core essence of the live music experience: (a) live music connects people deeply; (b) live music is a full body experience; and (c) live music can be transcendent. An increased energy or vitality was evident before, during, and after the live-music events. Co-researchers used these repeated experiences to release, renew, and recharge the positive emotions, and mental resources that they would in turn bring back to their everyday lives. </p><p> Findings from this research suggest that listening to live music is a mind-body-spirit practice that can be used by individuals to connect deeply to themselves, others, and something greater than what they know. As an inherently pleasurable activity, live music influenced people&rsquo;s ability to be open-minded and appreciative for what they have in life. The experience positively impacted the participants physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, which may have implications on overall well-being. </p><p> This is the first qualitative study that demonstrated ways in which people can participate in live-music events as a method of self-care to enhance their sense of well-being through meaningful connections, mind-body awareness, and transcendent experiences. Future research studies should examine the effects of live music on overall health outcomes and components of well-being. Keywords: live music, well-being, transcendence, appreciation, mind-body-spirit practice</p><p>

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10929749
Date25 October 2018
CreatorsTaylor, Leah Ferree
PublisherSaybrook University
Source SetsProQuest.com
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typethesis

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