What's a Piano? Music Therapists Portray the "Musical Personality" of the Piano

Abstract: The piano is considered to be one of the most important instruments in music therapy. Like other objects that are central in therapy, people tend to project different traits upon the piano, personalizing it and their relationship with it. The goal of this study was to investigate the “musical personality” of the piano. In one study, a focus group with 14 experienced music therapists was formed and, based on their personal and clinical experience, they discussed meanings that the piano might have for people. Analysis resulted in six recurring themes (e.g. intimacy, expressiveness, intimidation, self-criticism). In a second study, a different group of music therapists answered an open-ended questionnaire. Results indicated seven recurring themes, some of which were similar to those found in the first study while others suggested new insights. The overall “musical personality” portrayed in the studies is described and implications for the field of music therapy are discussed.

http://search.proquest.com.remote.libproxy.wlu.ca/docview/1032851238/abstract?accountid=15090