Masculinities and Music: Engaging Men and Boys in Making Music

Masculinities and Music provides a window into the world of men and boys and their engagement with music. This book offers both personal reflections and academic argument. Historical perspectives are provided alongside recent research findings. Topics include an interrogation of the affect of hegemonic masculinity on musical involvement, with references to compulsory heterosexuality, gender-role-rigidity and avoidance of femininity. Stories of men and boys and their struggle to participate in music permeate the volume, which concludes with some examples of effective practice for men and boys wishing to engage or re-engage with music. Australian academic Scott Harrison’s writing is the result of many years of experience as both performer and teacher. He offers a glimpse into his own experiences as young man performing at school and, as an adult singing opera and music theatre. His experience as a teacher of males and females from pre-school to adulthood imbues the book with authority born of genuine familiarity with his topic. This is a passionate, humorous yet serious look at men and music. The volume is essential reading for teachers, parents, academics and young men.