Developing Musical Possible Selves Through Learning with Technology and Social Media

This chapter focuses on the role of technology and social media in music learning and participation. Our specific concern is with the potential for technology and social media to promote innovative approaches and to enable access to music learning among under-served groups. We begin this chapter with the idea of ‘disruptive technologies’ that provide a way to ‘do music’ differently in face-to-face contexts. We then turn to online communities that offer a new context for participatory music learning, communities of practice and affinity groups for music participation. Finally, we discuss the rich possibilities offered by music technology and online communities for the exploration and elaboration of musical possible selves.