Sculptors of sound: Creative musical practices as an element of social transformation

Abstract

The primary goal of this research is to show how the use of technology proposed by musicians without academic training (“non-musicians”), offers a new framework for social transformation through their creative musical practices. Ethnographic research was carried out on a sample of 13 participants with highly diverse professional profiles and life trajectories, with only one thing in common: no academic musical training (conservatory). We used the methodology’s instruments and techniques: individual and group interviews, documentary analysis of netlabel type exchange platforms or social networks and participant observation in rehearsals and concerts. The results of this research revealed that apart from the academic and institutional aspects, the creative practices studied generate authentic networks of citizens committed to the building of contemporary culture. It should also be noted that this type of practice through technology applied to musical creation allows new spaces to be created for collective creativity, collaboration and musical dissemination.