Project Description

The primary aim of this research is to investigate how playing the bagpipes affects individuals' sense of identity, group belonging, and community connection. Specifically, the study seeks to identify which aspects of bagpipe playing and participation contribute positively to participants' lives, helping them find meaning, purpose, connection, and a sense of belonging.

To achieve these objectives, the research will involve:

1.         Conducting in-depth interviews with bagpipe players to understand their personal experiences and perceptions.

2.         Observing bagpipe performances and gatherings to see how participants interact within the group and with the audience.

3.         Analyzing social interactions within the bagpiping community to identify common themes related to identity and belonging.

This project is cross-disciplinary, incorporating elements of ethnomusicology—the study of music within its cultural context—and identity studies, but focuses on how engaging in musical activities can enhance one's connection not only with a larger community but also with one's own sense of self. It explores the construction of individual and community identities through musical participation.

In summary, the research attempts to answer the question: "To what degree does musical participation (i.e., actively playing an instrument) contribute to one's sense of individual identity, and thus communal identity." It it seeks to do so within the context of Scottish bagpipe playing in Texas.

Scientific Justification and Background

Music is a universal language that plays a significant role in cultural expression and identity formation. Traditional instruments like the bagpipes carry historical and cultural significance, often associated with heritage and communal traditions. Understanding how individuals relate to such instruments can provide valuable insights into:

Cultural Preservation: How playing traditional music contributes to maintaining cultural practices, and constructing one's individual and communal identity.

Identity Formation: How participation in music influences personal identity construction.

Community Building: How shared musical activities foster a sense of belonging and social cohesion.

This research is scientifically justified as it aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the interplay between music, culture, and identity. The findings could have broader implications for fields like sociology, psychology, and cultural studies. They may also inform community programs and educational initiatives that use music as a tool for enhancing social connection and personal well-being.

By exploring these dynamics within the context of bagpipe playing, the study seeks to highlight the universal aspects of music as a means of connecting individuals to themselves and to others, regardless of their cultural background.