Digital Music Discovery, Self-Production, and Sharing Among Adolescents

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 70
  In Roundtable Session: Digitally Mediated Music Education

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine if a group of adolescents exhibited attitudes and behaviors regarding digital music discovery, production, and sharing that influenced their formal instruction. The qualitative study focused on ways in which adolescents informally engaged with digital music in relationship to learning music in class. Three broad areas of musical and social engagement included students’ perception of digital music reception, self-production, and transmission. Conditions surrounding the participants’ musical behaviors suggested the variability of impact on their musicking. Data indicated that digital music media had significant influence, especially when using personal handheld devices. Overall, the perceived immediacy and inclusivity of digital media consumerism seemed a major trend in the participants’ musical sharing and transmission practices.

Author

• Tess Raynor Nielsen, Rowan University