CAN'T FIGHT THE MUSIC : UTILIZING IMPROVISATIONAL MUSICAL PERFORMANCE TO COMMUNICATE WITH CHILDREN ON THE TOPIC OF BULLYING

Abstract

This thesis examines the utilization of improvisational music techniques as a form of communication to address bullying in the Pitt County Community Schools and Recreation after-school program at Wintergreen Intermediate School in Greenville, NC. The study is based on a three week performance workshop conducted by the researcher with 17 students. The goal of the workshop was to teach children ages seven through eleven strategies to prevent, resolve and cope with bullying using improvisational music. Chapter 1 discusses previous literature on bullying, and improvisational music and performance. It lays the theoretical groundwork and provides the research methodology, while discussing the project's assumptions and limitations. Chapter 2 chronologically discusses the events of the workshop by week, highlighting and analyzing key moments. Chapter 3 discusses the follow up interviews, findings of the study, and recommendations for future projects.