Body Listening as a Method of Understanding a Music Program Used in the Bonny Method
Viega, Michael - Volume: 12
This first-person study investigates the imagery potential of a music program (Mostly Bach) used in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music by using body listening to explore my own affective-intuitive responses of the music. Data were collected from three separate experiential encounters I had with the music including (a) experiencing the music with a dance/movement therapist, (b) experiencing the music alone while, and (c) traveling to Mostly Bach in a traditional Bonny Method session. Data were analyzed focusing on the following research questions, “What can body listening tell me about the imagery potential of the Mostly Bach program?” and “How does my affective-intuitive relationship to
Mostly Bach change as a result of experiencing body listening?” Interrogation, interpretation, and triangulation methods of qualitative analysis were used in order for the findings of my research questions to emerge. This study concludes that body listening as a method of analysis can enhance affective-intuitive understanding of music programs for Bonny Method trainees and practitioners, as well as offer new insight for the imagery potential of the music used in the Bonny Method. Findings also consider that Mostly Bach contains expansive vertical and horizontal dimensions within the music, which provide a multi-dimensional space for the body to explore and experience intense emotions and healing space within oneself.