Flow, The Optimal Experience

Francesco Siri

In this research I would like to investigate the psychological aspect related to the practice of a musical instrument, going deeper into the experience of the flow state that the musician can live intensely. It is a state of mind of complete absorption in what one is doing. The process started by reading and informing myself as much as possible through books, articles, and personal experience. Based on these I created a strategy of work and exercises that would help me to be more focused and inside the music both in my studies and especially in my performances. I prepared two questionnaires to be filled in after the performances: 1) Personal Questionnaire 2) Group of critical friends To check whether the strategy I had been using over the last few months was helping me to achieve my goal or not. From the results of the two questionnaires until now, I can deduce the most effective and useful aspects of the strategy I implemented. It is also interesting to see how the suggestions of critical friends are similar to the "criticism" I made myself in the personal questionnaire. Over the last few weeks while analysing my latest performances and the results of the questionnaires, I have realised an increase in pleasure in playing and concentration on the task to do, which was not always present before I started this work. I am quite convinced that whatever strategy you want to use, you need patience to see over time if it really works.

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INTRODUCTION

The theme of this paper, which concludes a two-year degree course in trumpet, was born from the amazement I experienced in comparison with some of my friends who work in the field of sport. I realised how much a sports athlete and a musician, professional or not, had so many aspects in common. All this from the point of view of preparation (study and training phase) and the circumstance in which there are more adrenaline and stress (or during the performance and competition).

On the basis of personal experiences, I wanted to investigate the psychological aspects of performing music in front of an audience. More specifically, I wanted to experience the flow state of mind more often during practice sessions and in performances. Flow is a state of mind of complete psychophysical balance in which one experiences total absorption in what one is doing, together with a strong expansion of the boundaries of the self. My research question is: How can I be in flow during my daily practice and increasingly also during my performances? 

This question arose from a need I felt to explore different approaches to practicing. In addition to this, I wanted to learn more about myself and how my mind and body works especially when I am under pressure or more agitated. The more I go on, the more I feel that the time for studying is less and less, so I wanted to find a study method that would make me make the most of every moment. That's why I wanted to find a study method that would make me perform at my best at all times. I realised that the more I can be in this state of mind during my daily studies, the more I can be in this state of mind in situations where I am under stress.

This exposition starts with a review of scientific literature. It summarizes the domain of Postive Psychology, and how the theory of Optimal Experience (also known as the state of Flow) has emerged from it.

After this review, I summarize how I changed my approach to practicing and preparing performances during this research. I describe various practice strategies and exercises that I implemented.

The suggestions and outcomes of this research are the results of a study and personal experience starting almost two years ago.

All the exercises that you will find in the second part of the research, have all been tried and tested by myself while preparing for auditions and concerts.

In the Results and Discussion chapter I will discuss my findings based on the results of two questionnaires, that I prepared, to fill in after a performance. To better see whether or not the study strategy used was effective in achieving our goals. Next I will draw the conclusion (in the Conclusion chapter).

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