A1 Journal article (refereed)
Groove as a multidimensional participatory experience (2024)

Duman, D., Snape, N., Danso, A., Toiviainen, P., & Luck, G. (2024). Groove as a multidimensional participatory experience. Psychology of Music, 52(1), 93-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356231165327

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Duman, Deniz; Snape, Nerdinga; Danso, Andrew; Toiviainen, Petri; Luck, Geoff

Journal or series: Psychology of Music

ISSN: 0305-7356

eISSN: 1741-3087

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 08/06/2023

Volume: 52

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 93-116

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356231165327

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/87727

Abstract

Groove is a popular and widely used concept in the field of music. Yet, its precise definition remains elusive. Upon closer inspection, groove appears to be used as an umbrella term with various connotations depending on the musical era, the musical context, and the individual using the term. Our aim in this article was to explore different definitions and connotations of the term groove so as to reach a more detailed understanding of it. Consequently, in an online survey, 88 participants provided free-text descriptions of the term groove. A thematic analysis revealed that groove is a multifaceted phenomenon, and participants’ descriptions fit into two main categories: music- and experience-related aspects. Based on this analysis, we propose a contemporary working definition of the term groove as used in the field of music psychology: “Groove is a participatory experience (related to immersion, movement, positive affect, and social connection) resulting from subtle interaction of specific music- (such as time- and pitch-related features), performance-, and/or individual-related factors.” Importantly, this proposed definition highlights the participatory aspect of the groove experience, which participants frequently mentioned, for example describing it as an urge to be “involved in” the music physically and/or psychologically. Furthermore, we propose that being immersed in music might be a prerequisite for other experiential qualities of groove, whereas the social aspect could be a secondary quality that comes into play as a consequence of musical activity. Overall, we anticipate that these findings will encourage a greater variety of research on this significant yet still not fully elucidated aspect of the musical experience.

Keywords: music; experiencing; empathising; motion; swing (music); togetherness; social inclusion; music psychology

Free keywords: groove; thematic analysis; musical features; immersion; movement; positive affect; social connection

Contributing organizations

Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 3