The Musical Experiences of Adults with Severe Sight Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Research has shown that having a sight impairment (SI) may impact on participation in recreational and social activities. Yet, the musical lives of these individuals have seldom been explored, despite evidence of the importance of music to the lives of many, and the well-being benefits associated wi...

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Main Authors: Claire L. Castle, Alinka E. Greasley, Karen Burland
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2022-03-01
Series:Music & Science
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043221083296
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author Claire L. Castle
Alinka E. Greasley
Karen Burland
author_facet Claire L. Castle
Alinka E. Greasley
Karen Burland
author_sort Claire L. Castle
collection DOAJ
description Research has shown that having a sight impairment (SI) may impact on participation in recreational and social activities. Yet, the musical lives of these individuals have seldom been explored, despite evidence of the importance of music to the lives of many, and the well-being benefits associated with musical engagement. The current study used semistructured interviews to explore the musical lives of 20 individuals living with a severe SI (SSI). Interpretative phenomenological analysis of interview transcripts identified four main themes: The importance of music and sound ; Accessibility and inclusion in musical experiences ; The impact of changing sight and changing perceptions on musical experiences ; and Establishing identities in music . The study offers detailed insight into the musical lives of participants, identifying physical, social, and individual factors which impact on their musical engagement. Participants’ accounts highlighted the importance of music to their lives, as well as challenges experienced in relation to activities such as music listening, music-making, and attending live events. Findings demonstrate that while music may fulfill important functions in the lives of individuals living with SSI, musical participation may be impacted by issues of accessibility.
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spelling doaj.art-a6c5cecaee9d4a8baa8e22b3b071a1332022-12-22T00:05:29ZengSAGE PublishingMusic & Science2059-20432022-03-01510.1177/20592043221083296The Musical Experiences of Adults with Severe Sight Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological AnalysisClaire L. Castle0Alinka E. Greasley1Karen Burland2 , Leeds, UK , Leeds, UK , Leeds, UKResearch has shown that having a sight impairment (SI) may impact on participation in recreational and social activities. Yet, the musical lives of these individuals have seldom been explored, despite evidence of the importance of music to the lives of many, and the well-being benefits associated with musical engagement. The current study used semistructured interviews to explore the musical lives of 20 individuals living with a severe SI (SSI). Interpretative phenomenological analysis of interview transcripts identified four main themes: The importance of music and sound ; Accessibility and inclusion in musical experiences ; The impact of changing sight and changing perceptions on musical experiences ; and Establishing identities in music . The study offers detailed insight into the musical lives of participants, identifying physical, social, and individual factors which impact on their musical engagement. Participants’ accounts highlighted the importance of music to their lives, as well as challenges experienced in relation to activities such as music listening, music-making, and attending live events. Findings demonstrate that while music may fulfill important functions in the lives of individuals living with SSI, musical participation may be impacted by issues of accessibility.https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043221083296
spellingShingle Claire L. Castle
Alinka E. Greasley
Karen Burland
The Musical Experiences of Adults with Severe Sight Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Music & Science
title The Musical Experiences of Adults with Severe Sight Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
title_full The Musical Experiences of Adults with Severe Sight Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
title_fullStr The Musical Experiences of Adults with Severe Sight Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
title_full_unstemmed The Musical Experiences of Adults with Severe Sight Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
title_short The Musical Experiences of Adults with Severe Sight Impairment: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
title_sort musical experiences of adults with severe sight impairment an interpretative phenomenological analysis
url https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043221083296
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