‘Tapping into something beyond myself’: a socratic dialogue of two composers on creativity

This study explores creativity through the lived experiences of two composers using a Socratic–phenomenological approach. While existing research has largely focused on creativity as a cognitive, problem-solving process or as situated within pedagogical and observable practices, there remains a limited investigation into composers’ inner sources of inspiration, particularly the affective, experiential, and philosophical dimensions that underpin creative activity. The research examines how creativity emerges as a negotiation between identity, tradition, and innovation. Through reflective Socratic dialogues, creativity was revealed as both deeply personal and socially mediated: a dynamic process of self-exploration that balances originality with structure. The findings suggest that creativity is grounded in emotional, philosophical, and intuitive engagements. Creativity was experienced as an affect-driven process in which feeling shaped thinking, and vice versa. Importantly, this process unfolded recursively, as ideas were continuously generated, revisited, and refined through cycles of creative expression, reflection, and reinterpretation. Creative practice should intentionally engage emotional, philosophical, and intuitive dimensions, recognizing tension as a productive force in shaping ideas, rather than focusing solely on cognitive skill development.