An exploration of the use of the single-line instrument and the relationship to the learning experiences

Abstract

Music therapy training in the UK encouraged trainees to establish clinical improvisation skills on the instruments they are proficient at. However, compared with the studies on the accompanying instrument, voice and percussion, literature regarding the use of single-line instruments was relatively rare. Studies have also shown that a majority of orchestral music therapists may reduce their use of single-line instruments. This study aimed to discover the potential reasons for this phenomenon and drew attention back to students’ learning experiences. To achieve the above aim, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four individuals who were: 1) a student music therapist who is studying at an HCPC-approved university; 2) confident in playing with at least one single-line instrument such as clarinet, flute, violin and trombone; 3) and have at least a year of clinical experience through placement. Through analysing each case in-depth with Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA), four cluster themes central to the learners' experiences of using the single-line instruments in practice and the relation to their learning experiences throughout their life have been emerged: (1) the single-line instrument has or will become part of the participant’s identity; (2) using the single-line instrument in practice brought both support and challenges; (3) applying the learning in practice; (4) discovering the music therapist’s voice and the influence of online learning. These findings indicated that the therapeutic characteristics and the personality characteristics of the single-line instruments influenced their use in practice. Additionally, the study reflected the learning journey from a musician’s perspective to a music therapist’s perspective and highlighted online learning during the pandemic. This study, however, was limited to a small sampling size and further studies with wider context and diversity were suggested.