To read this content please select one of the options below:

(excl. tax) 30 days to view and download

Unpacking transformation in community music discourse

Ryan Humphrey

Arts and the Market

ISSN: 2056-4945

Article publication date: 15 January 2025

35

Abstract

Purpose

Transformation has become a commonly employed phrase in the field of community music. However, there has been little critical examination of its employment. This study aimed to explore how and why community musicians and project participants used this concept to describe their experiences of community music-making programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodological approach was utilised for this study. This included conducting an extensive literature review to establish a conceptual framework of transformations meaning within community music literature. Additionally, a historiography of the use of transformation in cultural policymaking and community music practice was developed to examine how this concept has gained prominence in the discourse. Alongside this, a case study was conducted on a music-making programme for adults with a mental health diagnosis to investigate the practical application of the concept of transformation.

Findings

The research reveals that musicians and participants often use “transformation” as a metaphor to articulate the personal impacts of community music programmes. These impacts include enhanced self-confidence, a greater sense of control and shifts in how individuals perceive themselves. The widespread use of this term is influenced by the messaging of funders and policymakers, who use the concept of personal transformation to rationalise funding for arts and cultural initiatives.

Originality/value

This research provides a new perspective on transformation and its meaning in community music practice. Additionally, it highlights the interconnection between community music activity and cultural policymaking, a relationship that has yet to receive much attention from scholars across both fields.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author thanks Soundcastle and TPMC participants for their involvement and support in undertaking this research.

Citation

Humphrey, R. (2025), "Unpacking transformation in community music discourse", Arts and the Market, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAM-07-2024-0038

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles