Exploring the lived experiences of teenagers in a children’s home participating in a choir: A community music therapy perspective

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of teenagers in a children’s home who participated in a choir that was facilitated from a community music therapy perspective in Pretoria, South Africa. Sixteen weekly choir sessions were held. These included a variety of interactive vocal techniques. A performance marked the end of the process, where songs selected by the teenagers were performed. Qualitative data were collected through fourteen semi-structured individual interviews at the end of the process. All interview transcripts were analysed through utilizing interpretative phenomenological analysis. The study concluded that participation in this community music therapy choir offered the teenagers perceived meaningful intra- and interpersonal experiences. At an intrapersonal level, the participants experienced discovering their musical voices; accessing inner strength to take action both in the here-and-now and in the future; increased self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence; as well as expressing and regulating emotions. In terms of interpersonal experiences, the teenagers experienced growth in relationships; improved social skills; and greater connection with the broader community.

The Impact of Community Music Therapy on Social Integration and Empowerment in Different Settings

“…Of the 19 young residents in this children's home, 14 were willing to join the choir. Prior to entering the children's home, some of these adolescents had experienced a range of issues including abuse, neglect and insufficient financial sup-port, abandonment and loss of their parents [16].…”

“…For example, Amber stated, "I thought choir would happen and then we would go our separate ways, but, we actually really bonded [...] and these bonds are lasting, even though choir has finished" Davin said, "the experience gave him a supportive network within his community. Singing in choir now means that I have friends at [this children's home]" [18].…”

Stepping into the shoes of absent parents to provide educational support

“…The home was founded in 1960 and is located in Pretoria in South Africa. It is one of the projects under the Child Welfare Tshwane Projects, which is a non-profit child protection service organisation whose mission is to safeguard, protect and empower children (Van Rooyen, 2016). Sunshine Haven Children's Home is occupied by children predominantly between the ages of 5 and 19 years from various backgrounds.…”