Finding a place for personal growth in an Australian community singing group for older people

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font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU; mso-fareast-language:JA;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">As in many countries, Australia is faced with an aging population. This creates challenges for the maintenance of well-being which can be enhanced by active engagement in society. Music engagement encompasses a range of social participation and has the potential to recognise the contribution of older people to their local communities.<span style="color:red"> </span>Engagement in music by older people (50+) is positively related to individual and community well-being.  Music participation can contribute to a better quality of life, particularly in relation to health and happiness. The possible forms of music engagement are myriad. <br /><br />This paper focuses on two members of a mixed voluntary singing group formed by older residents of an outer suburban community in Melbourne, Australia.  This study frames music as a positive way for older people to find a place for personal growth and fulfilment in a singing group. This phenomenological qualitative single case study focuses on two members of a small singing ensemble, the Skylarkers, formed to perform at retirement villages, nursing homes and facilities for senior citizens.<span style="color:red"> </span>In this study, data were gathered by interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. <br /><br />Two significant themes emerged. The first concerned the nature of the choir and its fluid membership and notions of self-identity. The second theme concerns the validation offered to individual members by active music participation through which they gained a sense of purpose, fulfilment and personal growth. This emphasis is unusual in discussions of community music engagement that ordinarily identify the importance of social connections. Groups such as the Skylarkers provide a place for members to continue their active engagement with music performance and music learning.</span><!--EndFragment-->