Becoming singular: Musical identity construction and maintenance through the lens of identity process theory

Article


Forbes, MelissaMelissa, Goopy, Jason and Krause, Amanda E. 2024. "Becoming singular: Musical identity construction and maintenance through the lens of identity process theory." Psychology of Music. https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356241267863
Article Title

Becoming singular: Musical identity construction and maintenance through the lens of identity process theory

ERA Journal ID6617
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsForbes, MelissaMelissa, Goopy, Jason and Krause, Amanda E
Journal TitlePsychology of Music
Number of Pages16
Year2024
PublisherSAGE Publications Ltd
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN0305-7356
1741-3087
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356241267863
Web Address (URL)https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03057356241267863
Abstract

This study uses identity process theory to understand the social–psychological processes that motivate individuals to construct an identity in which music, singing, and singing teaching feature prominently. We conducted reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 Australian singing teachers (with an average age 60) to understand how they enacted identity principles that motivate identity construction and maintenance. Findings were captured in two themes: (1) ‘It has just been music’: Living a musical life is my destiny; (2) ‘I know my value’: Achieving goals in music and teaching is motivating. Participants’ consistent musical engagement across the lifespan satisfied the identity principles of continuity and positive distinctiveness. The identity principles of self-efficacy and self-esteem were satisfied through the social connections created with peers and through teaching singing; participants derived self-worth from celebrating and contributing to the success of others. Teaching singing was a way to become ‘singular’, that is, distinctive, and distinctively valued by the self and others. This article provides an example of how identity process theory can be applied in musical identities research to uncover new insights into the psychological processes of identity construction, with implications for understanding identity resilience and musical engagement across the lifespan.

Keywordsidentities in music; self-esteem; self-efficacy; motivation; music education; singing teachers
Article Publishing Charge (APC) FundingOther
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020360301. Music cognition
360303. Music education
5205. Social and personality psychology
Byline AffiliationsSchool of Creative Arts
Centre for Heritage and Culture
Edith Cowan University
James Cook University
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