What’s in a song? Combining analytical and arts-based analysis for songs created by songwriters with neurodisabilities

ABSTRACT

There are a number of methods for analyzing songs that are created and used in music therapy, which vary according to investigators’ theoretical orientation and the intent of the inquiry. This article looks to understand the benefits and constraints of combining analytic approaches of song analysis with an experiential, arts-based investigation. The authors analyzed a series of songs created by a songwriter with a neurodisability, one author conducting a deductive analysis and the other engaging in experiential approaches from within an arts-based research (ABR) methodology. Results indicate that both analyses revealed similar information regarding the songwriter’s self-concept, attributes, and rehabilitative needs in the context of her recovery from a neurodisability. However, deductive analysis provided an objective perspective that attempted to generalize themes, which might be useful to inform diagnostic information involving self-concept after a neurodisability. Conversely, but complimentary, an experiential approach allowed for more ambiguous and complex content to be explored, illuminating psychological and developmental processes that might not have been otherwise revealed in analytical analysis. The benefits and limitations of integrating analytic and experiential approaches to analyzing songs created by songwriters in music therapy are discussed to provide researchers and clinicians rationales for investigating songs from varying theoretical perspectives.

KEYWORDS:

• Song analysis
• therapeutic songwriting
• neurodisability
• arts-based research
• deductive analysis

Notes

¹ The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) is form of music psychotherapy developed by Helen Bonny. Clients listen to specially designed classical music programs in a relaxed state of consciousness, while dialoguing with the therapist.

² For best results, copy and paste the link directly into your web browser. The reader can also go directly to Soundcloud.com and search for the user “Arts-based Research.”

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael Viega

Michael Viega, Ph.D., LCAT, MT-BC, is an Assistant Professor of music therapy at the State University of New York (SUNY), New Paltz and a Fellow in the Association of Music and Imagery. He has published and presented on a wide range of topics such as, Hip Hop and music therapy, arts-based research methodologies, therapeutic songwriting, and adverse childhood experiences and adolescent development. He serves on the editorial board for Music Therapy Perspectives and Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. He is currently the President-elect of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association (MAR-AMTA). On a national level, he serves on the AMTA Assembly of Delegates.

Felicity A. Baker

Felicity A. Baker is Professor and Associate Dean (Academic) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, The University of Melbourne. She is currently the Associate Editor of the Journal of Music Therapy.