Abstract

In this study we will establish the necessity of understanding the health of a musical ecosystem from an ecological framing, determine the value of understanding the state of vitality or healthiness via participation and then develop a music participation theory specific to the region of the Northeast of England. This research was conducted from multiple case studies and uses
constructed grounded theory as a methodology. A music participation theory has been established which gives a framework for understanding the nature of music participation in the region as well as an understanding of likely future participation. Furthermore, the developed theory gives insight into the nature of this particular musical eco-system and what elements of the eco-system may or
may not be effective, accurate, or faulty in some way leading to a specific state of vitality for the musical eco-system. Finally, this study discusses conclusions which can be drawn from the resulting theory and potential future research which might further illuminate the phenomenon of music participation.