Impact of Digital Streaming on Community Music Practices in Urban Festivals

Thesis Abstract

The advent of digital streaming has significantly transformed the dissemination and consumption of musical content, raising critical questions about its influence on community-based music practices in urban festival contexts. This study investigates the impact of digital streaming platforms on the social, cultural, and performance dynamics of community music in urban festivals, focusing on how accessibility, audience engagement, and artist practices are reshaped in this digital age. The primary aim is to elucidate how digital streaming alters traditional community music paradigms within urban festival settings, with specific objectives to analyze changes in community participation, evaluate the influence of streaming on live performance practices, and assess the extent to which digital platforms facilitate or hinder community cohesion through music. Employing a mixed-method research design, the study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to offer a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena. The population comprises musicians, festival organizers, and festival attendees involved in urban festivals in the Metropolitan City of Newford. A stratified random sampling technique is utilized to select a sample of 200 musicians, 100 festival organizers, and 300 attendees, ensuring representation across demographic and professional categories. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires for quantitative data and semi-structured interview guides for qualitative insights, both validated through pilot testing and expert review to ensure reliability and validity. For data analysis, quantitative data are subjected to descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS to identify relationships between variables such as digital platform usage and community engagement metrics. Qualitative data are thematically analyzed through NVivo, allowing for the identification of recurring themes related to perceptions of digital streaming’s influence on community music practices, identity, and cultural transmission. The study draws on theoretical frameworks including the Cultural Identity Theory and Technology Acceptance Model to interpret findings, providing a nuanced understanding of how technological adoption intersects with cultural preservation and community dynamics. Expected findings indicate that digital streaming significantly enhances artist exposure and audience reach, influencing the performance repertoire and participation rates at urban festivals. However, it may also contribute to the commodification of community music, potentially diminishing local cultural practices and altering community cohesion. The research is anticipated to reveal a complex relationship whereby digital platforms facilitate new modes of community engagement while simultaneously challenging traditional practices rooted in live, local interactions. This research makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the dualistic role of digital streaming in community music practices within urban festivals, an area with limited prior exploration. The findings will inform policymakers, festival organizers, and community musicians on sustainable practices that balance technological benefits with cultural integrity. Practical recommendations include adopting hybrid models of performance that leverage digital streaming for broader outreach while preserving core community elements through live interactions, as well as strategies for intellectual property management in digital spaces. The main conclusion suggests that digital streaming is a transformative force that, when harnessed strategically, can enhance rather than erode community music traditions in urban festival contexts. The study advocates for integrated digital strategies that prioritize community involvement, cultural authenticity, and technological literacy to maximize benefits while mitigating risks. Future research avenues include longitudinal studies to assess evolving impacts over time and comparative analyses across different urban settings to generalize findings. Overall, the study underscores the importance of deliberate engagement with digital platforms to ensure that community music remains a vital, inclusive, and culturally meaningful component of urban festivals in the digital era.