Music significantly influences an individual's character and identity. According to Miranda et al. (2009) and Picard (2015), many musicians and instrumentalists either use the art of music to tell who they are or have been influenced by music into developing a specific character. In previous assignments, music and identity have been extensively explored, and one of the easily identifiable music groups whose music strongly relates to their identity is the Iridas. This music band has a unique and recognizable taste for music, and the identity of individual participants shapes this. With such massive success and growth in the music industry within a very short time, every interviewer would love to engage one of the Iridas music band members, if not all. However, in my case, I plan to interview is Matt Smith, the founder, and leader of the Iridas music band.
I purposely selected Matt Smith for this interview because he has broad experience in music. From his biography, it is evident that he is passionate about music, which makes him the best person to interview. Smith was raised in San Diego, and by age six, he has started playing the piano. He later attended a music college, where he developed his passion for music. At first, he focused on video game music, but he later grew interested in instruments, jazz, and hip-hop music. Since 2015, the Iridas music band has significantly influenced music art, including the playing of instruments. His music passion immensely influences Smith's life, and this qualifies him for the interview since he has vast experience in music. I have already contacted him, hoping to receive feedback concerning the interview scheduled for next week. Due to the corona restrictions, it is impossible to hold a one-on-one interview. Hence, I will conduct this interview on Zoom, which is more effective than the email conversation.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Non-directive questions
May I know a little more about you?
This question is significant in this interview as it will give Smith an opportunity to disclose information that is not obvious in the public domain. Although the public knows information about Smith, such as his childhood, college life, and how he began the Iridas music band, more is needed about his career. Therefore, answering this question will provide some leading information about Smith’s identity as it relates to music.
What is your background with the instruments, precisely the piano
The background information provides adequate evidence of growth and development in the music career. The information obtained from this interview will help establish Smith's relationship with the piano and his community perspective.
How did you become the group and piano moderator?
Understanding how Smith rose to his leadership position with help me appreciate his view for music and commitment to making the group better. The transition into effective leadership from a mere group member or an unrecognized musician is quite interesting and informative.
Are there changes you would like to implement in the piano quartet?
Since the music is addressed to the entire community, the response to this question informs the leader's view of the social ways to make it better. This will also show the leader's true identity and his commitment to changing situations that require improvement.
What things do you love about music?
This subject is important to my research as it relates to Smith’s music experience. He will choose the most relevant experiences and share them.
Directive questions
Directive questions are important to my research as they will provide critical information I need to understand how music relates to identity.
How do you make critical decisions about the group’s activities?
Leadership responsibilities can be very challenging, especially when the group is not cooperative. Also, the leader is required to make critical decisions for the people they lead. Some leaders consult with their team members, while others do not. Therefore, the information from this question will help me understand how individual identity is influenced by the circumstances that require one to be bold.
How do you balance between other hobbies and piano?
This question is important, and it relates to individual attributes that enable one to cope effectively with different situations. For instance, being able to strike a balance between what one likes and responsibilities can be very challenging. Also, with his information, I will understand how much music has influenced Smith's identity. Also, I will know how Smith's personality is expressed through music and his leadership position.
What challenges do you face when leading the group, and how do you handle them?
Leaders often face challenges that require them to act sober and even consult from other people. The information obtained from this question is relevant to understanding how society perceives music.
How much time do you commit to music activities?
Understanding the moderator's commitment to the group's activities is significant in analyzing this person's reliability to community leadership.
How does your music influence the young generation?
One of the most relevant aspects of music is impacting the lives of others. This can be achieved by mentoring and training others. Therefore, information that will be obtained from this answer is significant in the valuation of Iridas music.
Works Cited
Miranda, Eduardo Reck, and Katie Overy. 2009. “Preface: The Neuroscience of Music.” Contemporary Music Review 28, no. 3, pp. 247–50.
Picard, David. 2015a. “The Festive Frame: Festivals as Mediators for Social Change.” Ethnos 81, no. 4: 600–616. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/00141844.2014.989869 . 2015b. “The Festive Frame: Festivals as Mediators for Social Change.” Ethnos 81, no. 4, pp. 600–616.
