An Interpretative Analysis of the Factors Underlying Changes in Older Professional Musicians’ Activity

Abstract

To date, little research has examined how expert musical activities are sustained throughout the lifespan, particularly in late adulthood. As musicians grow older, changes in their musical engagement are likely to occur. The current study aimed to explore the adjustments older musicians make, and to provide a holistic overview of the factors influencing these changes. Individual semi-structured interview transcripts of four Australian musicians (age range = 63–84, M  = 75.50) were studied using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This process revealed two overarching themes – Challenges and Choices – which shaped the participants’ musical engagement in late adulthood. The findings reflect known influential limitations of ageing in the musical domain but go further to suggest that older age can simultaneously be a period of enhanced musical enjoyment, creativity, and autonomy. The participants drew on their accumulated knowledge of self and their discipline to adapt their musical activities to suit their personal preferences. These insights challenge oversimplified narratives of ageing as a process of decline and offer a foundation for empowering older musicians to make fulfilling, personalised choices.