Variation in musicians' experience of creating ensemble

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a research methodology phenomenography and its application in investigating the experience of an ensemble the recorder consort Fortune in negotiating a shared conception of pieces of music being prepared for recording and performance. This methodology been used previously by Reid to investigate music teachers' and students' conceptions of music and work as a musician. This resulted in the identification of a Music Entity, a tripartite hierarchy of understanding, moving from extrinsic technical, with its focus on technical proficiency and an orientation to correct, playing, through extrinsic meaning" finding the meaning in the music, to intrinsic meaning, focusing on the development and communication of personal meanings through music. Further research by Reid, Petoc: and co-researchers has shown the same tripartite conceptions of learning and working in a variety of other areas design, statistics, theology, environment resulting in the inter-disciplinary concept of the Professional Entity, Here, phenomenography is used to carry out an analysis of a small number of interviews with the members of an ensemble focusing on the process of moving from individual conceptions to a group conception of pieces of music, and then ensemble music as a whole. The analysis elucidates the process of negotiation between musicians in rehearsal and shows that the Professional Entity, is apparent in ensemble as well as solo music. The results of the study have important pedagogical implications, enabling teachers to help students develop their conceptions of music, while the methodology can be a useful tool for researchers in music education.