An Ethnografic Approach to Video Analysis

The overall purpose in the ethnographic approach to video analysis is to become aware of implicit knowledge in those being observed. That is, knowledge that cannot be acquired through interviews.

In music therapy this approach can be used to analyse patterns of interaction between client and therapist. This can be interaction patterns which take place outside of the therapists awareness, because they are very subtle or because the therapist takes them for granted. Or it can be patterns of interaction that, because of the therapist' "blind spots", are repeated without closer reflection.

After a short introduction to the ethnographic approach, the workshop participants will have a chance to try out the method. First through a common exercise and then applied to video recordings of music therapy with children with severe communicative limitations. Focus will be on patterns of interaction, followed by a discussion of their significance for the therapeutic interaction.

Literature:
Holck, U, Oldfield, A. and Plahl, C. (2005) Video Micro Analysis in Music Therapy Research, a Research Workshop. In: Aldridge, D., Fachner, J. & Erkkilä, J. (Eds) Many Faces of Music Therapy - Proceedings of the 6th European Music Therapy Congress, June 16-20, 2004 Jyväskylä, Finland. P. 1094-1110. eBook available at MusicTherapyToday.com Vol.6. Issue 4 (November 2005).

Holck, U. (2007). An Ethnographic Descriptive Approach to Video Micro Analysis. In: T. Wosch & T. Wigram (Eds.) Microanalysis in music therapy: Methods, Techniques and Applications in Music Therapy for Music Therapy Clinicians, Educators, Researchers and Students. London: Jessica Kingsley.