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Choral possible selves: The interaction of Australian males’ past, present and future identities in shaping decisions about participation in choir

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 October 2016

Sarah J. Powell
Sarah J. Powell*
Affiliation:
Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South NSW 2750, [email protected]
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Abstract

This paper reports on the findings related to the possible selves of males who participate in choir. It focuses on the perceptions of participants’ past, present and future identities and the way these interact to influence decisions about choir. The paper is derived from a larger study, set in Australia, which investigated the perceptions of success, notions of masculinity and the impact of possible selves on male choral participation. Four choirs of different age groups were involved: junior school, secondary school, university and community. Data were collected through interviews, focus groups, surveys and observational video analysis. Findings demonstrated that the strength of possible selves was influenced by past experience and present self-perception, which impacted future projections of self and subsequent decisions about choir. The research points to the importance of providing positive and fulfilling experiences of choir in school because of its positive impact on individual well being and the active pursuit of desired goals.

Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Music Education , Volume 34 , Issue 1 , March 2017 , pp. 57 - 69
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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