Ta ton : En kvalitativ intervjustudie om körsång och integration

Sammanfattning: Tune up – A qualitative interview study about choir music and integration [Translated title] This essay concerns the use of choral music in relation to integration. The purpose of the study has been to investigate which aspects of choral singing are emphasized as important in the integration process, with a special focus on music and community. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with three foreign-born choir members singing in Luleå international choir. The interpretation of the results is based on Diaz's model for the various aspects of the integration process and Bossius and Lilliestam's theories regarding the influence of music in people's lives. The results show that the choir plays an important role in the choir members' integration processes. The choir is described, by the members, as a second family and the social network are emphasized as important. Through the choir, the foreign-born members have received help to get employment and also support with authority contacts. The choir has been a safe space for members to practice the Swedish language. The music is experienced as contributing to the choir's sense of community and to breaking down barriers which opens up to close relationships with other choir members. This contributes to a strong community that has a positive impact on the choir members' integration processes. The music is also described as important in relation to the choir members' own experiences of their integration process. Being able to live out and share their history and culture with the help of music contributes to an increased well-being for the choir members. The cultural aspect is understood as an important part of the choir members' identity.