Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0000-4451-6402

Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Sociology

Reader 1

Lynn Rapaport

Reader 2

Candida Jaquez

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Abstract

Those who have participated in live music can attest to the unique experience it provides–even unique to listening to the same music outside of the live music event. This thesis first explores the social and societal impacts of live music from existing literature and empirical research, focusing on the impacts on individuals, communities, and broader societal structures. Then the findings of the qualitative research study consisting of 12 in-depth interviews balancing musician and audience member perspectives is discussed. This study finds that musicians have unique experiences that extend beyond or differ from the previous literature on audience and community impacts, and contributes preliminary investigations into negative impacts and accessibility which are also under-researched in the current sociological literature. This piece finds evidence to the transformative and beneficial potential of live music on individual, community, and societal levels of analysis while also recognizing barriers and emphasizing the need for policies and practices that promote live performance, accessibility, and cultural vibrancy. This thesis contributes to a sociological understanding of live music and its implications for society as well contributing impacts on musicians.

Download

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

Share

COinS