| Summary: | <p> This dissertation explores the initial formation process of bands of General Business (GB) musicians. GB musicians are professional instrumentalists and vocalists with a substantial repertoire of popular songs spanning various time periods, genres and styles, whose primary work includes weddings, banquets, corporate events, and other forms of function work. This exploratory, qualitative study observed and recorded the rehearsals or showcase of four GB bands within the first four months of existence, and the 25 band members were interviewed. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Analysis of the observational data revealed three emergent themes, and analysis of the interview data revealed six emergent themes. All emergent themes relate to being a GB musician, leadership, norms, comfort, interdependence, expectations, and anxiety. Further analysis revealed four key findings. The first key finding indicates that during initial formation, GB band members enjoy their work, are invested in the success of their GB band, and become more comfortable in sharing their ideas with members of their GB band the more they play together. The second key finding showed that during initial GB band formation, members expect to be paid well, but members discuss not being paid well during initial GB band formation since the focus is on members being able to work effectively together. Third, participants perceive the formal GB band leadership as the initiators of directing behaviors and defining norms during initial formation. The fourth and final key finding suggests that members perceive two different types of norms within their GB band during initial formation, which include band-specific ways of working together, as well as rules of GB band etiquette that apply to being a part of a GB band in general.</p><p>
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