A Musical Instrument Making Group and Their Altered States

This is an account of my research into mild altered states of consciousness (ASCs) with a group of musical instrument makers. I begin with a brief review of literature which guided my research. This included studies of the creative process, and the psychology of music. ASCs induced by music are briefly analysed and their use as ‘self-therapy’. The literature on therapeutic aspects of music is wide-ranging and varied. Ancient forms are reviewed, particularly beliefs from Hindu philosophy. I also consider the use of vibrations as part of medical therapies, drawing on the seminal work of Nordoff and Robbins. I introduce the Musical instrument makers and describe their activities and lifeworld in the workshop as students. I explore creative and absorbed ASCs in the workshop, and detailed accounts from participants about the process of making musical instruments. The makers were also musicians, and ASCs from playing music are described, very often a bliss state with no content. Playing music is the primary inducer used for ASC experiences in this group. In particular playing together is cited as a core experience. Some of them describe spiritual ASC experiences with music and energy is a core element in this experience. Some accounts also involve anomalous experiences. I also explore the unique lifeworld of this group as craftsmen and women as well as creative artists. Music is also used as a therapy, either listening to or playing music. Generally a positive ASC from music acted to alleviate negative states, usually depression. In general music and resulting ASCs were central to their lives.