"Something to live for": Weekly singing classes at a Chinese university for retirees. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Southcott, Jane; Li, Sicong
• Is Part Of: International journal of music education. Volume 36:Number 2(2018:May)
• Page Start: 283
• Page End: 296
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: active music engagement -- adult music education -- positive ageing -- singing classes -- wellbeing; Music -- Instruction and study -- Periodicals; 780.7
• DOI: 10.1177/0255761417729548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0255-7614

Abstract

Active music participation offers a way for older people to sustain wellbeing and health. This article explores the understandings and experiences of a group of older Chinese people who actively participate in singing lessons at the Tangshan Older People University, China. This article uses a phenomenological qualitative research approach that allows an investigation of individual experiences of music engagement in later life. This research utilized a case study design and data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis which explores experience as understood by participants. Five broad themes were identified from the data: Emotional wellbeing, Physical wellbeing, Mental wellbeing and "learning new things", Musical preferences, and Sharing music. The participants have purposefully sought music-learning experiences and recognize the benefits of their ongoing music education.