ABSTRACT
Tyler’s narrative provides an example of the influence of fathers in shaping and supporting adolescent boys’ musical identities. In Tyler’s family, personal enjoyment in and through music is highly valued and beginning formal music education in early childhood is a family tradition. His father, Laurence, provides an influencing performance model by continuing to perform with his high school band in regional Queensland as a hobby on top of full-time work. Music plays an important role in the relationship between father and son, and Tyler has been recruited into his dad’s band. Laurence says it has provided them both with the opportunity of “getting to know each other” through Tyler’s teenage years. While Tyler does not identify as a musician, he reports that music is his most enjoyable hobby and subject at school. His present use of music directly informs his projected future uses, and he aims to continue performing in bands, attending live music performances, and discovering new music. The school class music program affords Tyler opportunities for personal enjoyment within the school curriculum and provides structures for like-minded students to come together and make music.
