Continuity, change and mature musical identity construction: Using ‘Rivers of Musical Experience’ to trace the musical lives of six mature-age keyboard players

Abstract

‘Rivers of Musical Experience’ were used as a research tool to explore the wide range of musical experiences and concomitant identity construction that six amateur keyboard players over the age of 55 brought to their learning as mature adults. It appears that significant changes in their lives acted as triggers for them to engage in musical activity which had meaning for them, often further prompted by the interest and actions of family, friends and acquaintances. Lifelong engagement with music was not only a source of pleasure and social enrichment but also pain, disappointment, liberation and empowerment.