Abstract
The flute, as a primary instrument, carries a special meaning for music therapists who are flutists. In order to find out more about the meaning of flute playing and its manifestation in music therapy practice, three flutist music therapists were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analysed according to the interpretative phenomenological analysis method. The findings reveal the deep, multi-layered connection between flutist music therapists and their flutes throughout their lives and illuminate the active role participants had to take in turning their flute into a therapeutic instrument. Replacing the professional flute with a therapeutic one is a significant milestone in the course of becoming a flutist music therapist. Participants described flute playing in therapy as enhancing their playfulness and proficiency as well as expanding their musical freedom. The flute’s sound is portrayed as projecting love and tenderness, allowing special intimacy between client and therapist.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 381-398 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Nordic Journal of Music Therapy |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 20 Oct 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2018, © 2018 GAMUT–The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre.
Keywords
- Flute
- chamber music
- primary instrument
- professional musician
- relationship
