Why enjoyment? An exploration of experiential outcome in a community-based fiddle group

This article focuses on the value of experiential outcomes in learning music as a means to support ongoing participation. It arises from a qualitative research study, and examines a sub-set of results concerned with an understanding of the experiential outcome of enjoyment. The intrinsic problems and complexities associated with researching such an elusive and subjective concept are explored, together with the approach adopted to resolve these challenges. The results of the data analysis phase employing enjoyment as research tool are presented within the context of the broader study findings. The study findings present a case for the value and benefit of researching the experiential outcome of enjoyment to support the gathering of insights and knowledge with potential application to the design of music participation environments and programs, both formal and informal.