No abstract

Much has been written about musical practice and performance, with little consensus over what practice means, or how musicians progress by practising. Studies have focused primarily on individual Western classical musicians in the conservatoire, with more recent research turning to popular, jazz and folk musicians. Informal and collaborative practices are central in popular musicians’ learning. The current research project focuses on the practice and performance of undergraduate popular musicians, described in students’ reflective essays. This article presents highlights in the musical development of one cohort of popular musicians over the 3 years of their study, including examples of practice behaviours, development of technique, collaboration with band members through rehearsals, creating original material, and gigging on and off campus. Findings indicate the possible role of reflection to support musical development of students, motivated by membership of bands and increasing technical prowess, linked to set lists and band aspirations to perform off-campus.

There is a single image on the television screen. A mouth making sounds-questioning, insistent, unnerving: MOUTH: ….out … into this world … this world … tiny little thing … before its time … in a godfor-… what? .. girl? .. yes … tiny little girl … into this … out into this … before her time … (Beckett, 2006, p. 376)

No abstract

No abstract