Together in Music: Coordination, expression, participation

The book explores the musical ensemble as a high-functioning small group organization with coordinative structures to perform under pressure within strict temporal boundaries. It offers insight into the ensemble from different analytical levels, including creative teams, musical coordination, and health and wellbeing. It features review chapters and demonstrative case studies showcasing various ensemble practices and processes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The interest in musical ensembles as exemplary forms of creative group behavior has surged in recent years, drawing attention from diverse fields. These ensembles can be viewed as highly functioning small group organizations that employ coordinated structures to perform under pressure within strict temporal boundaries. Rehearsals and performances serve as fertile contexts for the emergence of creative behavior, where novel musical interpretations are negotiated and discovered through improvisatory interaction. Moreover, group music-making can be an emotionally and socially enriching experience that promotes positive outcomes for well-being and development.

This book aims to bring together these diverse perspectives into a cohesive volume, providing insights into the musical ensemble from various analytical levels. Part 1 delves into ensembles as creative teams, examining how musical groups interact at a social and organizational level. Part 2 zooms in to consider musical coordination and interaction at a micro-level, exploring group music-making as forms of joint action. Part 3 takes a macro-level perspective, examining the health and wellbeing affordances associated with acoustical, expressive, and emotional joint behavior.

Each part comprises a balance of review chapters highlighting the latest developments in each research area, followed by illustrative case studies showcasing various ensemble practices and processes. A rich and multidisciplinary reflection on ensemble music practice, this volume will be an invaluable resource for music students, teachers, academics, and professionals interested in the dynamics of group behavior within a musical context.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 177 x 254 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198860761