Individual’s experiences of music and well-being in everyday life

This thesis aims to gain an in-depth understanding of individual’s lived experiences of music and well-being and the relationship they have together in everyday life. This thesis approaches music as a technology of the self in which people use in order to cultivate well-being. Through a constructivist lens this thesis draws upon Foucault’s conceptualisation of technologies of the self (1988) as a lens through which to examine the music practices that better help one’s own mental well-being. It explores the phenomena that occurs while listening to music which has effects on well-being and how it is perceived subjectively. Qualitative studies that have sought to explore and investigate individual personal experiences with music and well-being in everyday life are limited. A qualitative study using in-depth, semi-structured interviews was conducted to address and narrow this gap in knowledge. Interviews were conducted with 8 participants 6 females and 2 males, who at the time of the interview were between the ages of 23 to 58 and resided in the Wagga Wagga, Newcastle and Central Coast. Participants shared and recounted their experiences of music utilisation in the everyday life and the diverse methods and approaches in which music is used, enacted and consumed. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed, findings were interpreted and understood in line with existing literature. This thesis will argue a different understanding and insight on the subject area of well-being and articulates ways in which our experiences with music are beneficial to our sense of self and well-being in everyday life.