Characteristics of Lifelong Musicians Austin Lamon Farnam University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
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University of Arkansas, Fayetteville ScholarWorks@UARK Theses and Dissertations 12-2016 Characteristics of Lifelong Musicians Austin Lamon Farnam University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd Part of the Music Education Commons, and the Other Music Commons Recommended Citation Farnam, Austin Lamon, "Characteristics of Lifelong Musicians" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 1865. http://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/1865 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Characteristics of Lifelong Musicians A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music Education by Austin Farnam Missouri State University Bachelor of Jazz Performance, 2012 December 2016 University of Arkansas This thesis is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council. ____________________________________ Dr. Jeffrey Murdock Thesis Director _____________________________________ ____________________________________ Dr. Daniel Abrahams Professor Janet Knighten Committee Member Committee Member ©2016 by Austin Farnam All Rights Reserved Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate causes for lifelong musicianship through examining the life experiences and influences of ten lifelong musicians. The participants in this study have played music starting in their childhood and into adulthood. Ages of participants range between 35 and 60 years of age. All participants have separate careers in conjunction with being active musicians. Data collection was attained through a three phase process of an observation, interview, and collection of artifacts. Data was coded using open, focused, and axial coding and further analyzed for the purpose of identifying emerging themes. From the analysis, the researcher organized 14 themes focusing around life experiences and social factors that led to interviewees’ lifelong participation in music. Common themes between participants include learning music by ear, engaging in music relating to participants on a personal level, and motivational factors for continued interest in music. The final chapter is a discussion section offering ways for educators and parents of young musicians to implement characteristics of lifelong musicianship. Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my parents Cheryl and Troy, and my wife Natasha. You all are an integral part of why I am a musician. Without your love and support I would not be where I am today. Table of Contents Chapter I: Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 Background ................................................................................................................................. 1 Definition of Terms ..................................................................................................................... 2 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................................... 3 Purpose of Study ......................................................................................................................... 4 Rationale ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Research Questions ..................................................................................................................... 6 Limitations .................................................................................................................................. 7 Assumptions ................................................................................................................................ 7 Chapter II: Review of Literature ..................................................................................................... 8 Early Influences on Children ...................................................................................................... 8 What Creates a Lifelong Learner? ............................................................................................ 11 Engaging students in-and-out of the classroom ........................................................................ 13 Psychology of Lifelong Learners .............................................................................................. 14 Psychology of Musicians .......................................................................................................... 15 Professional & Amateur Musicians .......................................................................................... 16 Chapter III: Methodology ............................................................................................................. 18 Qualitative Research ................................................................................................................. 18 Epistemology ............................................................................................................................ 19 Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................................. 21 Trustworthiness ......................................................................................................................... 22 Triangulation ............................................................................................................................. 22 Procedures & Data Collection .................................................................................................. 22 Observations ............................................................................................................................. 23 Interviews .................................................................................................................................. 23 Artifacts ..................................................................................................................................... 24 Coding ....................................................................................................................................... 24 Institutional Review Board, Rights and Permissions, Subject Protection ................................ 25 Participants ................................................................................................................................ 25 Chapter IV: Results ....................................................................................................................... 28 Interviewees .............................................................................................................................. 28 Participant A ......................................................................................................................... 28 Participant B .......................................................................................................................... 29 Participant C .......................................................................................................................... 30 Participant D ......................................................................................................................... 32 Participant E .......................................................................................................................... 33 Participant F .......................................................................................................................... 34 Participant G ......................................................................................................................... 36 Participant H ......................................................................................................................... 37 Participant I ........................................................................................................................... 38 Participant J ........................................................................................................................... 39 Themes ...................................................................................................................................... 40 Chapter V: Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 50 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 50 Discussion ................................................................................................................................. 50 Suggestions for Future Research .............................................................................................. 55 References ..................................................................................................................................... 56 APPENDIX A ............................................................................................................................... 62 APPENDIX B ............................................................................................................................... 65 APPENDIX C ............................................................................................................................