Abstract

Each person has a unique relationship to music and constructed perceptions of their musical abilities referred to as a ‘music self-concept’. There is a gap in the music therapy literature regarding this construct, specifically, for older adults. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the music self-concepts of three older adults through semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed and coded into three global meaning units: (a) positive music self-concept (b) negative music self-concept and (c) evolving music self-concept. The emergent themes influencing music self-concept included: access to financial means, feedback from significant persons, social comparisons, music in the home environment, self-confidence, interest in music, availability of a support network, and the acceptance of oneself as a musical being. From these findings, practical implications for further research and practice in the music therapy field are presented.