An investigation into the socio-musical identity of at risk adolescents involved in music therapy

Abstract

The context of this study is the National Youth Development Outreach Project (YDO) situated in Eersterust, Pretoria. This study is conducted within a qualitative research paradigm. The data comprises of sentence completion exercises designed to elicit information regarding at risk adolescents’ attitudes towards music. The data is coded, categorized and organized into themes. The themes highlight five different life aspects through which these at risk adolescents identify with music. The study revealed that music therapy is an effective and appropriate way to afford at risk adolescents access to these identified life aspects and is able to facilitate the addressing of various issues within these life aspects.