A descriptive analysis of the psychological needs of adults participating in music ensembles: A survey of the New Horizon International Music Association ensemble participants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness were satisfied through participation in New Horizons International Music Association ensembles, and to identify the various variables that influence the satisfaction of these needs. Data were collected from individuals participating in New Horizons International Music Association Ensembles through an online survey (N = 237). Collected data were used to address past in- and out-of-school music activities and behaviors, current music activities and behaviors, participant subjective-well being, and perceived benefits of and barriers to participation. Satisfaction of psychological needs was measured using an adaption of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (Deci and Ryan, 2009). Research objectives were answered using descriptive statistics, and correlation and regression analyses. The statistical analysis revealed that the demographic make-up of New Horizons International Musicians Association (NHIMA) participants was similar to other community-based music ensembles. Subjects most frequently participated in general music in elementary and band during high school. Band was the most frequently cited out-of-school and current music activity. Scheduling conflicts and music difficulty emerged as potential barriers to participation in community music activities and ensembles. Subjects' perceptions regarding the benefits of participation were generally positive. Subjects' psychological needs were all being satisfied to a certain extent by participating in NHIMA ensembles. Participation in band, honor groups, solo and ensemble festival, Garage Bands, ensemble directing, improvisation, 'family music time,' class piano, and music technology significantly contributed to satisfaction of psychological needs in the current study (p=.05). It was concluded that past music experiences as well as formal, informal, and non-formal music participation, and perceptions regarding one's own abilities contributed to the satisfaction of the psychological needs.

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