The use of imagery, mental practice, and relaxation techniques for musical performance enhancement.

Abstract

This document presents information on how imagery, mental practice, and relaxation techniques may be used by musicians and music teachers to enhance performance. In the present study, imagery was defined as a mental process in which an individual consciously imagines an ideal performance in his or her mind. Its effects on performance have been studied extensively in the field of sport psychology. This type of imagery is usually preceded by relaxation techniques which help the musician to associate the simulated performance with a state of calmness and control. Mental practice, a specialized form of imagery, involves more detailed rehearsal and is usually used in the beginning stages of motor learning. The author investigated the impact of these techniques on the areas of self-efficacy or confidence, regulation of anxiety, concentration, and memory in an exploratory study with five graduate pianists.