Transiting into higher education can pose many challenges for students, such as increased levels of academic stress, interacting within new social environments, and learning how to organise one’s own time and... read more →
Dec
17
Sep
25
Film screenshot: The Perfection © Netflix. New research investigates the "make or break" stereotypes of music schools We’ve all seen the way films depict music conservatories: harsh competitive environments, where teachers demand perfection. But are these representations accurate? According to a new study by researchers from the Optimal Music Performance... read more →
Dec
03
We are happy to announce that we have published a new article from our research. Title: Applying self-regulated learning microanalysis to study musicians’ practice Authors: Gary E. McPherson, Margaret S. Osborne, Paul Evans and Peter Miksza Abstract: This article describes the development of a music practice microanalysis protocol that is... read more →
Apr
19
We hope you find interesting these preliminary findings from our longitudinal study! (more…)
Mar
03
We are pleased to announce the launch of our longitudinal study of practice quantity, practice quality, and motivation. Our longitudinal survey will also investigate a range of issues from areas of psychology as diverse as perfectionism, motivation, wellbeing, and personality. We look forward to the results of this study which... read more →
Sep
02
We had a great time in Kyoto where Gary McPherson presented the opening keynote presentation for the International Symposium on Performance Science. Paul Evans presented a paper on university music students' motivation and practice quality, with findings to be published later this year in the journal Psychology of Music. Peter Miksza also... read more →
Mar
04
Microanalysis is about improving the quality of practice. For example, do you set goals for your practice? Plan strategies to achieve your goals? Structure your time? Does any of this make a difference anyway? We are using the best theoretical and practical research from sports psychology and other areas to help... read more →