Imagine, Sing, Play- Combined Mental, Vocal and Physical Practice Improves Musical Performance

Frontiers in Psychology

Boris Kleber¹  Niels Trusbak Haumann¹  Kristian Steenstrup²  Carles Camarasa²  Bjørn Petersen³  Peter Vuust³ 

[1] Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark;The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus, Denmark;The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus, Denmark;Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark;

关键词: deliberate practice;    auditory imagery;    motor imagery;    solfege;    interleaved/random practice;    varied practice;    trumpet;    brass pedagogy;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.757052

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Classical musicians face a high demand for flawless and expressive performance, leading to highly intensified practice activity. Whereas the advantage of using mental strategies is well documented in sports research, few studies have explored the efficacy of mental imagery and overt singing on musical instrumental learning. In this study, 50 classically trained trumpet students performed short unfamiliar pieces. Performances were recorded before and after applying four prescribed practice strategies which were (1) physical practice, (2) mental imagery, (3) overt singing with optional use of solfege, (4) a combination of 1, 2 and 3 or a control condition, no practice. Three experts independently assessed pitch and rhythm accuracy, sound quality, intonation, and musical expression in all recordings. We found higher gains in the overall performance, as well as in pitch accuracy for the physical practice, and the combined practice strategies, compared to no practice. Furthermore, only the combined strategy yielded a significant improvement in musical expression. Pitch performance improvement was positively correlated with previous solfege training and frequent use of random practice strategies. The findings highlight benefits from applying practice strategies that complement physical practice in music instrument practice in short term early stages of learning a new piece. The study may generalize to other forms of learning, involving cognitive processes and motor skills.

【 授权许可】

CC BY