| Volume 24 Special Issue 2.3 | November 6, 2023 |
The Meaning that Five Music Teachers Ascribe to Their Lived Experiences of Music and Imagery Sessions During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Petra Jerling
MASARA, North-West University, South Africa
Citation: Jerling, P. (2023). The meaning that five music teachers ascribe to their lived experiences of music and imagery sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. International Journal of Education & the Arts, 24(si2.3). http://doi.org/10.26209/ijea24si2.3
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had, and still has, an influence on everybody’s well-being, including that of music teachers. The search for meaning in life and purpose for music teachers became even more compelling throughout this trying time. This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) explores the multiple meanings that five self-employed music teachers who were diagnosed with the coronavirus ascribed to their lived experiences of Music and Imagery (MI) sessions. MI is a receptive music therapy method, which involves listening to music for therapeutic benefits. Five music teachers, who fitted the inclusion criteria, attended four individual MI sessions. Each teacher participated in a semi-structured interview after the sessions. The collected data were transcribed, analyzed, and coded. Themes that emerged included emotional experiences, spiritual experiences, personal growth and empowerment. Findings indicate that meaning in life during a pandemic can be re-established through the application of MI sessions.
