Rock music preference among adolescents in Malta : the insiders speak

Abstract

Rock music is undoubtedly a favourite genre of music among many adolescents. This study has attempted to explore the motivations behind the preference for rock music in the lives of Maltese adolescents. More specifically, the study has addressed why young people with a preference for this form of music, prefer listening to rock and not to other music genres. The study investigated how and why this music preference translates into music production/music consumption practices, including playing in rock music bands. Purposive sampling was used to recruit study participants. The main sampling criterion was preference for rock music. Gender balance was also ascertained. The project concludes with a summary of the main findings and makes recommendations for further research. Findings reveal that siblings, friends and relatives with a preference for rock music, play a key role in the onset of participants' music preferences. Participants place more importance on the music rather than song texts on developing their music preferences. Rock music is reported as playing a very significant role in participants' lives; it has the power to change its listeners and strongly impacts listeners' identity. Performing rock music is viewed as a means of self-expression and creativity. Being in a rock band provides the opportunity for success and recognition. Music-making gives creative pleasure by enabling the individuals to leave some trace of themselves in the world.