The aging musician

Issue title: Challenges and Opportunities for the Older Worker

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Barton, Rebecca

Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Rebecca Barton, Assistant Professor and Director of Fieldwork, School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA. Tel.: 1+ 317 788 3432; Fax: +1 317 788 3542; E-mail: rbarton@uindy.edu

Abstract: Objective: Older musicians may develop occupational performance problems resulting from age-related changes and features unique to their occupation. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of the aging process on an older professional musician. Method: A phenomenological approach was used to study the effects of the aging process on a 71 year old, semi-retired, part-time paid jazz musician. Data were gathered through interviews and observations of performance environments, and analyzed using a grounded hermeneutic approach. An expert panel facilitated theme development. Results: The musician's experiences related to changes in an ability to perform his daily occupations, including music; his response to the external changes in the playing environment and in his relationships with others; and the way in which he has coped with these changes. Conclusion: Occupational therapists who provide intervention for older musicians must implement a client centered approach to care, which provides strategies the musician can use to overcome the challenges related to aging in order to continue professional performance.

Keywords: musician

Journal: Work, vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 131-138, 2004