Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Modes of communication between members of a string quartet

Seddon, F. A. and Biasutti, M. (2009) Modes of communication between members of a string quartet. Small Group Research. 40(2), pp. 115-137. 1046-4964.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: This qualitative case study revealed the modes of communication employed between members of a professional string quartet during rehearsal and performance. Six modes of communication and two levels of attunement were revealed. The modes of communication were interpreted as verbal and nonverbal: instruction, cooperation, and collaboration. The levels of attunement were interpreted as sympathetic and empathetic. Results indicated that the members of the string quartet were able to become empathetically attuned and produce spontaneous musical variations during performance. These spontaneous musical variations were interpreted as examples of empathetic creativity. Participants confirmed researcher interpretations of the six modes of communication, sympathetic and empathic attunement, and empathetic creativity during member checks. The authors propose that spontaneous musical variations are examples of empathetic creativity. The findings of the current qualitative case study support the findings of a previous study conducted with a jazz sextet (Seddon, 2005). Implications of the findings of the current study for small group communication and creativity are discussed.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Collaboration, creativity, communication, attunement, empathy
Subjects: M Music and Books on Music > ML Literature on music > ML3800 Philosophical and societal aspects of music > ML3830 Psychology
M Music and Books on Music > ML Literature on music > ML430 Composition and performance
M Music and Books on Music > MT Musical instruction and study > MT68 Improvisation. Accompaniment. Transposition
Creators: Seddon, Frederick A and Biasutti, Michele
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Business & Law
Date: April 2009
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 115-137
Journal or Publication Title: Small Group Research
Volume: 40
Number: 2
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1046496408329277
ISSN: 1046-4964
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/3669

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