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Using repertory grids to explore musical skills and attitudes in a mature-age adult at the early stages of learning for self-fulfilment: A case study of James

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2012

Angela Taylor
Angela Taylor*
Affiliation:
Institute of Education, University of London, UKartaylor8@gmail.com
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Abstract

Repertory grids were used as a research tool to explore 73-year-old James’ musical development over two years. Choosing two music learning cultures for his instrumental learning, James learned the piano in a college workshop and the Appalachian dulcimer in his local folk group. There were clear changes in his musical skills and attitudes, particularly in relation to performing and practising, and an increase in his musical maturity as he transformed himself from a music listener into a musical performer, reconstructing himself as an amateur musician. The empowerment gained from his reconstruction was a critical factor in James’ self-fulfilment as a mature-age adult.

Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Music Education , Volume 29 , Issue 2 , July 2012 , pp. 233 - 250
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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