An Ethnographic Study into the Musical Interaction of a Young Man with an Intellectual Disability and his Music Teacher

Following a brief literature review in the field of music and intellectual disabilities, this auto-ethnographic study contemplates and analyses the musical interaction of a young man, G, who has a diagnosis of Down’s syndrome, intellectual disability and a visual impairment, and myself, his music teacher. Video footage of weekly music sessions was accumulated over the course of one year, and subsequently transcribed for analysis. The communicative function of musical improvisation in the initial stages of the relationship is deliberated, before examining the effectiveness of an alternative notation system which was conceived and implemented. The learning profile of individuals with Down’s syndrome is discussed in relation to the content and direction of the session and resources prepared. The contribution of the music sessions to the consolidation of social skills is proposed, as well as implications for increased clarity and breadth of speech. My contribution to sessions is critically reflected upon in addition to a reflexive appraisal of my own preconceptions and attitudes. Implications for further research are discussed as well as the contribution this study makes to the literature on music and intellectual disabilities.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Master's Thesis

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Student thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Portsmouth

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Pickard, Beth

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Nunkoosing, Karl

• intellectual disability
• microanalysis
• musical development
• ethnography

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/a66857ac-afd0-4e88-8fbf-3ee88fdf5594

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.atira.dk:studenttheses/a66857ac-afd0-4e88-8fbf-3ee88fdf5594