Benefits of creating and participating in an original creative musical production on the self-esteem of adolescents in a residential care institution

Abstract

The purpose of the current research was to investigate the benefits of creating and participating in an original creative musical production on one’s self-esteem. The investigation was done by assessing the effects of creating and participating in an original creative musical production on the self-esteem of adolescents residing in a residential care institution. The objectives that guided the study were to determine the levels of the participants’ self-esteem before and after staging their original musical arts production; to explore elements of their original musical production which exhibited creativity; and to determine the adolescents’ perspectives regarding participating in their production. Observations, performance analysis and group discussions were used for data collection. The results revealed that engaging adolescent children in creating an original musical production and staging it enhanced their self-esteem and confidence, and brought feelings of self-worth. Through creating and participating in their original musical production, the adolescent participants were able to learn social skills, learn to express their views, and showcase their creativity through a musical performance. The current study therefore adds to the existing knowledge which advocates that participating in creative artistic activities enhances self-esteem.