Gibson, Joanne ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4956-5120 and Sævarsdóttir-Griffths, Sigrún (2026) Music Co-Creation with The Messengers: Exploring the Role of Facilitator Musical Decision-Making. International Journal of Community Music. (In Press)

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Abstract

Music co-creation is central to many UK community and socially engaged music practices, enacted with a belief that it can afford positive experiences and outcomes. Within an interventionist frame, community and socially engaged musicians are both co-creators in this collaborative practice and facilitators. Whilst facilitated music co-creation is a central strategy, insights into the ‘how’ of this collaborative practice are sparse (at least in academic publications). We contribute to the ‘how’ by exploring facilitator decision-making during material generation with groups. Using practice research and critical incident technique, we identify and reflect on key moments within Sigrún Sævarsdóttir-Griffths’ leadership of The Messengers; a band of 30-40 diverse members in London, England. Our practice research shows musical decision-making is a complex and dynamic process involving many factors. Aims to make ‘good’ music in ways that are experienced and felt as ‘good’ by band members are central to this. Yet since facilitated music co-creation is a dilemmatic practice, community and socially engaged musicians can get it ‘wrong’. Therefore, we suggest ongoing critical reflection on musical contribution(s) and decision-making is a vital aspect of the work. Furthermore, since music co-creation is a joint endeavour, such reflection would be strengthened by facilitators doing this with participants.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	In Press
Subjects:	M Music and Books on Music > M Music > M1495-2199 Vocal music M Music and Books on Music > M Music > M0005-1480 Instrumental music M Music and Books on Music > ML Literature of music > ML3797-3799.5 Musical research M Music and Books on Music > MT Musical instruction and study > MT0018 Music in colleges and universities M Music and Books on Music > MT Musical instruction and study > MT0040-67 Composition. Elements and techniques of music
School/Department:	School of the Arts
Institutes:	Institute for Social Justice
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/16331

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