Peak Music Experiences

Ben Green investigates the phenomenon of peak music experiences from a social and cultural perspective, including discussions on it as sources of inspiration; as a core motivation for ongoing musical and social activity; the significance of live music experiences; and the key role of peak music experiences in defining music scenes.

Dr Ben Green is a cultural sociologist with interests in popular music and youth studies. He is a member of the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research and teaches at Griffith University. Ben's work exploring musical experience in memory, identity and belonging has been published in journals including Sociology, Popular Music and Journal of Sociology and in edited books including The Routledge Companion to Popular Music History and Heritage.

Chapter 1: Introducing peak music experiences Chapter 2: Theorising peak music experiences Chapter 3: Histories of listening: First encounters, gateways and conversion experiences Chapter 4: Life-changing moments: Experiences of inspiration and influence Chapter 5: Why music? Peak music experiences as motivation Chapter 6: Listening together: Peak music experiences and interpersonal relationships Chapter 7: Live music experiences: Presence and affective space Chapter 8: Ideal experiences: Scenes, aesthetics and belonging Chapter 9: Themes and conclusions: Peak music experiences and new perspectives Appendix 1: Interview participants References