ABSTRACT
The field of musical identities has substantially expanded and attracted global research attention in the past two decades. This study defines musical identities as the multifaceted roles of identities in music (IIM) and music in our identity (MII). Individuals have multiple identities that are performative, evolving, and contextual. The theories of identity work and possible selves provide a lens for examining the underlying processes of identity construction. Music education experiences can significantly shape and support developing musical identities. Music often plays a significant role in adolescents constructing and representing their identity, and it is important to further understand the relationship between music, education, and identity, given the potential to support adolescents’ mental health and well-being. This chapter examines contemporary literature regarding musical identities and the theories of identity work and possible selves adopted by this study. Given that this study is situated in a boys’ school, the interaction of gender, music education, and identity is also briefly considered.
