An 8-year-old’s engagement with preferred music: A case study

Abstract

This case study of an 8-year-old’s engagement with preferred music was conducted by the researcher, who is also the child’s father. The aim of the research was not only to identify the child’s preferred music, but to find out why these were preferred pieces of music and, more specifically, to examine the way the child musicked with these preferred pieces of music. Observations of the child drawing to his preferred music, alongside conversation data and observations of the child musicking with these preferred pieces of music were conducted over a 4-week period. The child nominated five favourite pieces of music spanning a variety of styles and genres. These pieces were preferred because of familiarity with the music, and cultural and environmental influences. The child musicked with these preferred pieces in multiple ways, using a variety of media including digital technology, engaged in spontaneous musical play and exploration with the preferred music, and used this music in a variety of functional ways. Implications for music education are discussed, relating to a focus on exploring the functionality of music and the sonic qualities of music.