Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Music Honours
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
First Supervisor
Dr Helen Rusak
Second Supervisor
Tim White
Abstract
Some arts programmes have used drum-circle techniques with the aim of facilitating personal and social change. These include those developed by Arthur Hull in the USA (Hull & Marie, 2014) and Drumbeat projects in Australia (Martin, Wood, Tasker & Coletsis, 2014). There is, however, limited research in the field and none that focuses explicitly on females in pre-release detention facilities. In exploring a range of creative drumcircle activities, informed by theories and practices from music therapy, community music settings and arts programmes in prisons, the present study examines the impact of participation in a ten-week drumming project upon women’s senses of wellbeing, and upon personal and social change. Findings are theorised using Seligman’s PERMA model of wellbeing (Seligman, 2002) and DeNora’s theory of Musical Events (2000, 2003). They illustrate music’s agency in personal and social behaviour and provide additional evidence for the advocacy of musical engagement in prison facilities.
Recommended Citation
Faulkner, N. (2017). Drumming Up the Future: Musical Creativity and Drum Circles as a vehicle for personal and social change, and for improved wellbeing amongst women in a pre-release facility. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/1528