Musical Narratives By Margaret Barret Summary

In Margaret Barret’s article “Musical narratives: A study of a Young Child’s Identity Work In and Through Music-making”, she discusses the psychology and overall benefits of an early start with music education. Barret employs techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos in her writing to grab the reader’s attention. She is able to relate to her audience by using these techniques along with descriptive language and music, a universally shared form of expression, to communicate the importance of pursuing a music education at a younger age to promote healthy outlets of expression and a healthy social life.
Barret sets the stage. She presents the reader with exactly what the article and the research in the article is about. She also states the reason behind the research and gives the reader background for all this information. For those who may not be musically educated, she puts in a Keyword bank. Barret uses many examples and sources throughout her writing. She is writing this piece to inform and maybe even persuade the reader and audience. The piece seems to be geared toward more of an educated …show more content…
Narrative is used to create a “self” or identity in the world, the brain uses music in a similar way. The brain creates musical narratives for the same purpose, to create a “self”. When you start this music education at a young age, this musical narrative, it allows the “self” to develop earlier and become confident and socially healthy. Barret writes that “Findings of an ethnographic study of childrens’ (aged 4–12 years) informal music-making that sought to understand the uses of music in children’s lives suggest that ‘children are drawn to music for its personal and social uses’ (Campbell, 1998, p. 178).” Children are automatically drawn to music and join in music-making activities without a push from parents or outside sources. We are all born with an innate ability and liking for