An investigation of the sociocultural factors impacting on the therapeutic songwriting process

Abstract

This study explores the sociocultural factors that impact on the therapeutic songwriting process as perceived by 45 expert music therapy clinicians and researchers. Drawing on grounded theory methods, interviews with participants were analysed and coded. Constant comparisons of data within and between participant interviews led to the construction of 26 categories and further aligned under seven factors: music’s diverse roles in different sociocultural groups; music therapist’s knowledge of and skills in playing multicultural music; sociocultural diversity of group members; language barriers; social diversity and the therapeutic relationship; religious beliefs; and gender, generational issues, ethnicity and religion. The findings highlight how increasing understanding of the way group membership affects participants’ responses to the songwriting process, the music therapist–participant relationship, and the approaches that are used to maximise the therapeutic process, are important for effective therapeutic songwriting practice, particularly in an era where multiculturalism and the divide between the socioeconomic groups is increasing.

Keywords:

• therapeutic songwriting
• sociocultural
• religion
• multiculturalism
• gender issues

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (2010–2015; grant number FT 100100022).

Notes

1. Chase (2003) provides detailed tables about religious perspectives on healthcare procedures.

2. Phrases in parentheses and preceded with the word “Factor” denote the label of a sub-factor.

3. Pt# refers to the participant whose interview quotes informed the findings presented.

4. Note that sexual orientation did not emerge in the interviews but literature would suggest plays a role in the process.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Felicity A. Baker

Felicity Baker is Australia Research Council Future Fellow (2011–2015) and Associate Professor at the School of Music, University of Queensland. She is President of The Australian Music Therapy Association, former editor of the Australian Journal of Music Therapy and currently serves on a number of editorial boards including the Nordic Journal of Music Therapy and Journal of Music Therapy.