The aesthetic preference in music-making: A case study of self-production processes influencing the exploration of artistic identity

Abstract

This exposition is a case study of discovering a musician’s aesthetic preference through self-production processes as part of the exploration of artistic identity. Music self-production requires a clear understanding of artist’s own aesthetic preference for effective planning and execution of the production. This process, in turn, has been proved effective in exploring artistic identity in this case study. This case study used an autoethnographical approach to discuss several dimensions of musical aesthetic preference based on life experience and music making processes. The self-production processes suggest that it can create an environment to consciously reveal and clarify a musician’s aesthetic preference from musical and aesthetic dimensions. This study contributes to the research on music production, aesthetic preference and artistic identity, and opens up discussion for future studies on the interrelationship among these three artistic aspects.