ABSTRACT
Our values and uses of music shape and support our identities. This study contends that musical behaviours and the way people use music enact their music values. Personal values are considered an individual’s broad motivating goals that serve as guiding principles in their actions. Music has diverse values for individuals and communities and reflects the nature of values more broadly; music values depend on why and how music is engaged and by whom in what context. The music values of children and young people are significantly influenced by their family’s values and behaviours. The values that students also develop through music education can guide their future music learning and engagement. Music is regarded as an activity in which people have a role, and several sets of uses—including functions of music—have been reported. A common theme of these sets is that music is used for individual purposes and with others. This chapter examines literature concerning the values and uses of music from a psychological perspective and findings from empirical research are summarised.
