Adolescents' Musical Role Models: Whom Do They Admire and Why?

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Adolescents' Musical Role Models: Whom Do They Admire and Why?
Language: English
Authors: Ivaldi, Antonia, O'Neill, Susan A.
Source: Psychology of Music. 2008 36(4):395-415.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2008
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Adolescents, Musicians, Role Models, Popular Culture, Reputation, Focus Groups, Musical Instruments, Factor Analysis
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
DOI: 10.1177/0305735607086045
ISSN: 0305-7356
Abstract: Despite the wealth of research into adolescent role models, few studies have concentrated solely on the musical figures identified by adolescents and the reasons why. Using mixed methods, 381 adolescents (aged 13-14) completed a questionnaire about the musicians they admired and the reasons why. Focus groups were also conducted where adolescents discussed the most important and least important reasons for admiring a musical role model. Nineteen picture cards of famous popular and classical musicians were also presented to elicit discussion. Results indicated that the majority of adolescents identified famous figures as role models, most of whom were male and singers of popular musical styles. The three main reasons for admiring a role model were: (1) dedication; (2) popular image; and (3) ability. Focus group findings suggest that whether or not the role model plays a musical instrument is of little importance when it comes to identifying a famous figure. (Contains 6 tables.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 17
Entry Date: 2009
Accession Number: EJ846856
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Despite the wealth of research into adolescent role models, few studies have concentrated solely on the musical figures identified by adolescents and the reasons why. Using mixed methods, 381 adolescents (aged 13-14) completed a questionnaire about the musicians they admired and the reasons why. Focus groups were also conducted where adolescents discussed the most important and least important reasons for admiring a musical role model. Nineteen picture cards of famous popular and classical musicians were also presented to elicit discussion. Results indicated that the majority of adolescents identified famous figures as role models, most of whom were male and singers of popular musical styles. The three main reasons for admiring a role model were: (1) dedication; (2) popular image; and (3) ability. Focus group findings suggest that whether or not the role model plays a musical instrument is of little importance when it comes to identifying a famous figure. (Contains 6 tables.)
ISSN:0305-7356
DOI:10.1177/0305735607086045