Possible Selves in Balance: Exploring Hopes and Fears of Indian Musicians

By providing an opportunity for self-expression, music facilitates the reproduction and transformation of identities established in individual. Having understanding possible musical self residing within existing self-concept can help us make sense time energy required to become a musician. The present study attempts understand qualities or characteristics musicians use describe their selves. sample comprised 50 participants from National Capital Region (NCR), India (age range 18–29 years emerging adults), trained primarily Indian Classical Music. data was collected using open-ended questionnaire (adapted Oyserman, et al., 2002) analyzed thematic analysis which is discussed under three themes—the “hoped selves,” “expected “feared selves.” Attention also given balance among different elements selves produce summary characterization self. findings have implications institutions teachers involved imparting education. They may carefully examine possibilities review reconsider instructions, promoting realistic vision future experiences students envision futures by exploring possibilities.