Spiritual moments making music in nature. A study exploring the experiences of children making music outdoors, surrounded by nature

Abstract

Outdoor learning is recognised internationally as an essential part of a child’s holistic education and children’s wellbeing can be improved when being outdoors surrounded by nature. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests children are becoming disconnected from nature. This study investigated the experiences of six classes of children aged 7–11 years from six primary schools making music outdoors in rural locations in Wales over a two-year period. Groups of children from each school undertook semi-structured interviews using video-stimulated reflective dialogue (VSRD). Their teachers also took part in semi-structured interviews, without VSRD. The data suggest children’s music making involved interactivity with nature provoking biophilic responses. The analysis revealed they experienced extraordinary, transcendent or what might be called spiritual moments. Evidence is analysed with conceptions of spirituality, communitas and philosophy of dialogue.