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- Volume 5, Issue 3, 2012
International Journal of Community Music - Volume 5, Issue 3, 2012
Volume 5, Issue 3, 2012
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Learners or participants? The pros and cons of ‘lifelong learning’
By Roger MantieWhereas adult education used to be the preferred concept for those studying adult music-making, there is now an increasing trend away from this and towards lifelong learning. Uncritically adopting government lifelong learning discourses, however, blurs the line between educational ideals and political ones. Although there may be merit in the claims for the benefits of learning throughout the lifespan, I suggest that the meaning and values of practice in community music activities far exceed that of learning for learning's sake. I argue in this article that there are compelling reasons for reconsidering the use of the term 'lifelong learning' for community music activities.
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An investigation of social support in adult recreational music ensembles
More LessThis study examined social support as perceived and experienced by participants in adult recreational music ensembles. Members of New Horizons (NH) Bands (N=1152) from 63 cities across the United States and Canada participated in the study. A web-based questionnaire identified participant perception of available support within their ensembles. From the sample, eighteen randomly selected volunteers participated in additional phone interviews. Results indicate that the majority of survey participants perceive support to be available 'most' or 'all of the time' in the categories of Instrumental/Tangible Support (35.7%), Companionship Support (38.1%) and Emotional/Informational Support (41.1%). Open-ended responses demonstrated specific examples of support being offered and received among participants. The results of this study indicate that in addition to being a musical outlet for adult learners, group music-making organizations such as NH may be a viable way to increase and maintain social bonds across the lifespan.
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Circles of learning: Appalachian mountain music and issues of tradition in the twenty-first century
Authors: William Dabback and Janice WaldronEarly practitioners of mountain music in the Appalachia region of the United States shaped the music and its traditions in relative obscurity, which has largely vanished through commercialization and instant dissemination to any person with an Internet connection. Utilizing a qualitative multiple case study approach, researchers explored these issues with mountain music practitioners in the Appalachia region of Virginia and in online forums associated with the music and its traditions. Specifically, researchers gathered information regarding transmission of traditions and perceptions of authenticity and sought to identify issues of gatekeeping within their various musical communities in the twenty-first century. This article reports preliminary findings of this research.
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Another New Horizon? Music technology for senior adults
Authors: David A. Stringham and Paul R. AckermanMusic ensembles for senior adults provide participants with musical and social benefits. For various reasons - from disinterest to infirmity to depression and withdrawal - such programmes engage a relatively small segment of a growing and changing senior adult population. Discussions between a university faculty member and a retired psychologist and music therapist led to a question: if senior adults learned to engage with music using technology, would those experiences offer opportunities for musical growth, personal expression and social interaction like those available in music ensembles? In this article, we describe our process for developing a music technology course for senior adults, including a review of literature and findings from a regional survey of senior adults. We also identify considerations for planning, outline a prospective course of study, and provide recommendations for future research and educational efforts related to senior adults and music technology.
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A year with the Senior Center Band: Facing aging head on
More LessThis article describes my year-long experience as a member of the Portage Senior Center Band (PSCB). I had been familiar with the band through occasional subbing for one of their trombone players but wanted to gain more insight into members of the band, especially since I had seen dramatic increases in the level of musicality over the years. As a participant observer for a twelve-month period, I actively participated in all but two scheduled performances and rehearsals but took a passive role in group discussions and problem-solving so as not to jeopardize my observer relationship. Despite an age difference of fifteen to 30 years, I was accepted as a member of the band. This provided me a more authentic view of the types of challenges I and others in the Boomer generation may face in the years ahead.
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Random or non-random thoughts: What senior adults think about within their ensemble settings
Authors: Debbie Rohwer, Don Coffman and Michael RaiberThe purpose of the current study was to describe band members' perceptions of important and frustrating issues they experienced in band rehearsals. Musicians (N=159) from three New Horizons bands from three different states participated in the current study. The four administrations of the two-item questionnaire asked, 'What was the most important aspect to you in today's rehearsal', and, 'Was anything frustrating or confusing in today's rehearsal?' Results highlight the contextual components that the musicians perceived to be important and frustrating in their rehearsal settings. Comments tended to be cogent and focused, and conclusions highlight the possible benefits of using the one-minute assessment process for improving adult community music instruction.
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REVIEWS
Authors: Nathan B. Kruse, Elisha Jo and Kari VeblenYOUNG @ HEART, STEPHEN WALKER (2007) Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Los Angeles,108 minutes, rating: PG
MUSICIANS AS LIFELONG LEARNERS: DISCOVERY THROUGH BIOGRAPHY, RINEKE SMILDE (2009) Delft: Eburon, 292 pp., ISBN: (10): 9059723015, ISBN: (13): 978-9059723016, p/bk, $ 30.00
COMMUNITY MUSIC IN THEORY AND IN PRACTI CE, LEE HIGGINS (2012) New York: Oxford University Press, 229 pp., ISBN: 9780199777839, h/bk, $99.00, p/bk, $29.95
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Facing the music – challenges and changes: Report from the research group Lifelong Learning in Music from the Netherlands
More LessThis field report examines initiatives in music lifelong learning through the research network Lifelong Learning in Music (LLM) of the Prince Claus Conservatoire in the Netherlands. LLM collaborates with other schools on various projects. As well, there is an innovative masters programme 'New audiences and innovative practices' with a variety of partners.
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Engaging preservice music teachers with adult amateur musicians
More LessThe purpose of this report is to describe a developing model for inclusion of community music as part of the process of music teacher training at an American university. Included in the narrative is an overview of the Congaree New Horizons Band (CNHB) in Columbia, SC, followed by a description of the inclusion of adult music learners in preservice teacher training experiences at the University of South Carolina (USC). The author describes the results from this partnership that have emerged over the past few years and notes the important, practical benefits to be gained by engaging preservice teachers with populations of learners not associated with the K-12 age range. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications these results may have on future practice.
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A fantastic journey: An interview with Dr Chelcy Bowles
More LessIn this interview, Chelcy Bowles discusses her journey as a musician, educator and community worker and her work as Professor of Music and Director of Continuing Education in Music at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
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