Music participation is a multifaceted aspect of being human. This introductory chapter frames a series of original studies with participants across the lifespan, collected to provide a window into the ways in which humans find meaning in life, come together, and find well-being through music participation. We contextualize music participation as a way of satisfying the human condition, a role in musical identity, and a reflection of communal participation. Satisfying the human condition is looked at through an alternation between modern Western and ancient Chinese philosophical perspectives, giving space to a more inclusive understanding of the “good life.” Musical identity is presented as a way to understand the meaning which comes from an individual’s music participation in communal, commercial, and participatory spaces. The many possibilities for participation in these spaces are considered while remaining cognizant of the challenges of defining what it means to participate in or with music. Authors of each chapter constructed their own definitions of music participation. A common element among acts of music participation was the human condition. The meaning derived from these acts of participation inevitably varies from person to person and culture to culture. Throughout this book, we hope to demonstrate how meaning is found throughout the lives of humans by way of music participation.
