PhD Oral Exam - Stephen Venkatarangam, Individualized Studies in Fine Arts

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

For years, Indian musicians, scholars, and music therapists have explored the therapeutic use of raga. Research is emerging on its use in complementary medicine in India, yet little formal research exists on the use of raga in receptive music therapy with clients unfamiliar with this style of music. Given the prevalence of related practices such as mindfulness, visualization, and Guided Imagery in the music therapy profession, the current research seeks to contribute a more integrative understanding of South and East Asian practices as they relate to the therapeutic use of raga. This mixed-methods study utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis, neurophenomenological analysis (through EEG brainwave recordings via a Muse 2 headband and Mind Monitor software), and arts-based hermeneutic analysis to investigate the experiences of six participants unfamiliar with raga during a recorded receptive raga experience. The following group experiential themes emerged from the coding and analysis of interviews: (1) Curiosity and interest with Indian classical music and culture, (2) imagery and pre-associations despite musical unfamiliarity, (3) increased immersion as musical movements progressed, and (4) the music allowing unique feelings of relaxation. Both group-level and individual experiential themes were examined, acknowledging the rich nuances within the participants’ individual experiences. Brainwave results generally indicated an increase in alpha waves (associated with relaxed, meditative states) or delta waves (linked to deep meditative or sleep-like states), along with a decrease in beta waves (associated with alertness). A comprovisation approach was used to integrate the qualitative findings with the EEG data, providing a more embodied and comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. This study contributes to the emerging dialogue on the culturally responsive integration of raga in receptive music therapy practices.