Adapting the Sounds of Intent Framework in Bolivia: Assessing Musical Growth Across Ability and Culture

Abstract

This study examined the musical development and lived experiences of four children with exceptionalities. It took place in a children’s home (hogar) in Bolivia—a residential care setting for children with exceptionalities—through their participation in a Christmas-themed performance. Guided by a transformative approach, the researchers aimed to promote inclusion while amplifying the voices of marginalized children. Data sources included video recordings and field notes. The Sounds of Intent framework was used to gauge musical engagement across rehearsals and the final performance. Findings revealed individualized and collective growth in interactive musical responses, some of which might have gone unnoticed with observation notes alone. A powerful moment of collective interactive engagement occurred during the final performance, adding to the evidence base for the social benefits of collaborative music-making for people with diverse abilities and needs. Also, interview responses indicated participants’ positive emotional experiences, supporting the use of accessible resources to facilitate expressive communication. Overall, this study evidenced the use of participatory, child-centered strategies to impact the musical and social development of people with diverse abilities, including in underrepresented cultural contexts.