Finding flow in music practice: An exploratory study about self-regulated practice behaviours and dispositions to flow in highly skilled musicians

Abstract

This chapter addresses a study aimed at investigating self-regulated practice behaviours and flow dispositions in expert musicians. A sample of 168 classically trained musicians completed a survey comprising a questionnaire measuring musical self-regulated practice behaviours and the Short Dispositional Flow Scale. Associations of self-regulated practice behaviours and flow dispositions were explored using multivariate regression. Results showed that flow was predominantly a function of self-regulated behaviours Personal Resources and Practice Organization, but not a function of External Resources. Analyses of individual items demonstrated self-regulation seemed to contribute for the experience of flow indicators related to musical skills, tasks, the clarity of goals and feedback, and also concentration and control over the activities. The chapter ends with implications of the findings for musicians, teachers and researchers.