Music as a Medium for Cohort Development

Abstract

This article describes a grounded-theory (Corbin & Strauss, 2008) qualitative research study on the use of a peer-to-peer music exchange group to explore the process of cohort development among five counselors-in-training. Interview questions focused on personal experiences in choosing the songs and on interpersonal dynamics that participants shared with others. Two rounds of interviews were conducted and coded by the authors. A final focus group was completed to ensure participants concurred with the constructed theory. The primary theme identified within the grounded theory was a connection to self and others. Risk taking, wants, music as a medium, and emotions are subthemes that inform the primary theme. Implications and future research possibilities are presented.

Keywords:

• cohort development
• connection
• counseling
• creativity
• music

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Dr. David Kleist with his help in facilitating this study.