Participants & rsquo; experiences of a receptive music therapy intervention that incorporates raga: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

摘要

Indian musicians, scholars, and music therapists have explored the use of raga for many years, with music therapists recommending its use in meditation, visualization, and clinical improvisation. Little formal research; however, exists concerning the use of raga in clinical settings with clients unfamiliar with this style of music. By means of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, this qualitative research explored the lived experiences of 3 participants unfamiliar with raga within a live-receptive raga intervention. The primary method of data collection was semi-structured interviews. The following overarching themes emerged through coding and analysis of the interviews: (a) pre-contextual thought processes as inherent to the experience; (b) raga as a trusted guide ? a space to embrace thoughts through music; and (c) emotional and physiological changes throughout the musical movement. These overarching themes as well as subsidiary themes were explored as a collective group experience while accounting for the unique and rich differences of the participants? individual experiences. The study provides information to further the dialogue concerning integration of raga within receptive music therapy contexts. Particular receptive interventions that may enrich the therapeutic experiences of diverse populations are suggested.