Musical Meaning in the Lives of Those Affected by the Holocaust: Implications for Music Education. (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cunningham, Deborah A.
• Is Part Of: Update, applications of research in music education. Volume 33:Number 1(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: Holocaust survivor -- impact of the Holocaust -- music education -- music meaning -- music memories -- role of music; Music -- Instruction and study -- Periodicals; Musicology -- Periodicals; 780.71
• DOI: 10.1177/8755123314540659
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 8755-1233

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the role of music in the lives of those affected by the Holocaust. Participants were identified through purposeful and snowball sampling techniques, and a total of five were selected based on their connection to the Holocaust. Participants included those incarcerated in camps and ghettos, those who escaped incarceration, and a child of survivors. Each participant was interviewed using a semistructured interview schedule. Interview transcripts were transcribed and coded using coding categories generated from recurring patterns and ideas. The data were analyzed to identify emerging themes. The overarching theme is that music has a multiplicity of meanings to humans, is used in different ways at different times, and does not hold the same meaning for all people. Findings from this investigation pose questions for music educators, concerning the way music is taught in school settings.