Nikki S Rickard and Tan-Chyuan Chin (2017)

Chapter 16 in Handbook of Musical Identities, edited by Raymond MacDonald, David J Hargreaves and Dorothy Miell

Abstract

A “musician” is variously defined as someone who, “is born not made”, “has 10,000 hours practice under their belt” or “is a musically talented or creative professional”, concepts which all center on music production.

In this chapter, benefits of expanding the “musicianship” construct to include engaged reception of music are explored.

There is considerable overlap and inconsistency in classification of musicians and non-musicians within the literature.

A surprising similarity in neuronal and cognitive processing of music in trained musicians and listeners has also been found.

It is proposed that musicianship may be more usefully conceptualized as a multidimensional construct, which has been reflected in the recent development of psychometric measures identifying high levels of both productive and receptive forms of music engagement.

Importantly, this conceptualization provides greater insight into the benefits of different forms of musicality for mental health and well-being, and provides validation for a musical identity in “non-musicians”.

16.1  Introduction

16.2  Musicians:  skilled producers of music

16.3  Non-musicians:  non-producers of music

16.4  Receptive musicianship

16.5  Musicianship of listening

16.6  Musicianship of engagement

16.7  Emotional engagement with music

16.8  Utility of a broader conceptualization of “musicianship”

16.9  Conclusions