Abstract:
This research seeks to develop a conceptual framework for
understanding the psychological and social processes of engagement for
attendees of small, popular music venues. An extensive review of
literature is undertaken, exploring attendee engagement and peak and
flow experience, social capital, place attachment, music scenes, and
spatial studies. Framed within the construct of a research capstone, two
University of Oregon courses also guided this project: AAA 510
Collaborative Futures, and MUE 547 Psychology of Music. The conceptual
framework resulting from this inquiry suggests that it is the transient
nature of the live concert experience, as well as potential for flow and
peak experience facilitated by live music’s time and space-shifting
properties, that crystallizes personal feelings and social interactions
into a liminal space within the venue. Further, music venue attendee
place attachment is wrought from repetitive positive personal and social
experiences within the venue. Recommendations for further study include
field research exploring place attachment in music venues, social
influences on musically induced peak experience, and social bridging
within music venues.
