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Derrington 2012 thesis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

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7.7.1 On improvising<br />

“Yeah letting stuff out. Like on the piano when I just play it seems like nothing’s the<br />

matter, nothing’s the matter, when I play I just feel safe” (Chris, appendix 7.1.24,<br />

p.385).<br />

In chapter four the use of improvisation as an effective means of self-expression was<br />

discussed as an important aspect of my approach (4.4.1). The students were not asked<br />

specifically about improvisation and this aspect of music therapy so it was<br />

particularly interesting that so many chose to mention it and say what this had meant<br />

to them. Many students talked about making up stuff and how improvisation had<br />

made them feel free, which supports the use of this (4.4.1.5).<br />

“When I play the piano I just feel like letting in how I normally feel. When<br />

I’m on the piano I can just express myself fully and not have to fret at what<br />

people think about it” (appendix 7.1.24, p.385).<br />

The same student, Chris, went on to explain how using different instruments matched<br />

different feelings:<br />

“Like say piano for mood swings…you get different emotions like ones that<br />

could be happy and ones that can be sad so with the piano you can start with a<br />

happy song then to like a real sad song then to this real strong, angry, violent<br />

song, could be, like the music sounds much more louder, much more<br />

aggressive…the drums, that can be for sadness or anger cos with them you<br />

can just beat the drums it makes a big powerful noise so people feel good on<br />

the drums cos they make as much noise as possible, express their anger and<br />

strength ” (appendix 7.1.24, p.385-6).<br />

40% of students went into detail about different improvisations and how they created<br />

music around themes (4.4.1.4). For example, Daniel explained his creepy music: “I<br />

make it up as I go along….You feel like you’re on the edge of it, of your seat in the<br />

dark” (appendix 7.1.2, p.201). He was also able to reflect on how it felt and said:<br />

“Happy when I was doing it. It just like washed away all my feelings”<br />

Ah. What sort of other feelings got washed away<br />

! ")(!

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