Exploring the lived experiences of adolescents in a children's home participating in a choir : a community music therapy perspective

Abstract

Phenomenological research was conducted to explore the lived experiences of adolescents in a Children’s home who participate in a choir that is facilitated from a community music therapy perspective. The case study involved 16 weekly choir sessions, where a variety of vocalisations and interactive vocal interventions were implemented. A performance marked the end of the process, where preferred songs were performed. Fourteen adolescents residing in Bramley Children’s Home participated in the choir and the research. Qualitative data was collected through 14 semi-structured individual interviews at the end of the process. All interview transcripts were analysed through utilising interpretative phenomenological analysis. The study concluded that participation in the community music therapy choir offered the adolescents perceived meaningful intra- and interpersonal experiences. At an intrapersonal level, the participants lived experience entailed discovering their musical voices, accessing inner strength to take action both in the here-and-now and in the future as well as experiencing a healthier picture of themselves through increased self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence. Utilising cognitive skills and experiencing, expressing and regulating emotions were also included in the in the intrapersonal findings. In terms of interpersonal experiences, the adolescents perceived growth in relationships, improved social skills, social harmony and connection into the community. An important finding in this study that drew on a community music therapy focus is connection into the community, where the adolescents are experiencing sustaining relationships and continuous musiking within their communities.