KKS p. 420, Music and Identity Reflection Questions

Music and Identity

• Music can strengthen a musician's connection to their cultural roots.

• Example: Dewey Balfa, a Cajun fiddler, performed at the Newport Folk Music Festival in 1964, resulting in a standing ovation and a life change towards advocating for Cajun culture.

The Role of Music in Identity

• Music supports both traditional and evolving identities.

• It preserves historical values while also helping individuals redefine themselves.

• Music serves as a medium for personal significance and identity exploration in various contexts, both private and public.

Reflective Fieldwork Questions

Personal Identities

• Consider the identities that shape your life.

• Identify which identities are the most significant and their associations with specific musical styles.

Ethnic, Racial, and National Backgrounds

• Reflect on the overlap of identities in your experiences.

• Examine whether one identity is currently dominant over others.

Musical Heritage

• Think about any music passed through your family or community.

• Does it reinforce a personally meaningful heritage?

• Recall specific music associated with family moments (e.g., lullabies, holiday songs).

Reluctant Identities

• Identify any identities you are hesitant to embrace.

• Explore musical traditions tied to these identities, possibly prompting personal growth.

Music of Your Generation

• Identify music with significance in your current academic setting.

• Reflect on community-building through music in school or college environments.

• Recognize how exposure to diverse soundscapes has shaped your identity.

Expanding Musical Horizons

• Plan to continue exploring different musical experiences beyond academic settings.

• Suggestions include:

  • Attending concerts for unfamiliar music.

  • Observing local performing groups as an audience member.

  • Participating in community groups like gamelan or folk dance ensembles.

• Commit to staying aware of the evolving musical landscape.

The reflective fieldwork questions from the text include:

1. Personal Identities: What identities shape your life? Which identities are the most significant and associated with specific musical styles?

2. Ethnic, Racial, and National Backgrounds: How do your identities overlap in your experiences? Is one identity currently dominant over others?

3. Musical Heritage: What music has been passed through your family or community? Does it reinforce a personally meaningful heritage? Can you recall specific music associated with family moments, like lullabies or holiday songs?

4. Reluctant Identities: Are there any identities you are hesitant to embrace? What musical traditions are tied to these identities, and might they prompt personal growth?

5. Music of Your Generation: What music is significant in your current academic setting? How does music contribute to community-building in your school or college environment? How has exposure to diverse soundscapes shaped your identity?

6. Expanding Musical Horizons: How do you plan to explore different musical experiences beyond academic settings? (Suggestions include attending unfamiliar music concerts, observing local performing groups, or participating in community groups.)