Implications
As the results of this research show the clear benefits of mental imagery, this is of great importance for music students and musicians in general. Furthermore, this research made an attempt to close the gap in the existing literature by collecting different types of imagery exercises and in so doing, provides a basis for further research. This collection of exercises can be expanded by others, and also provide a basis for researching and implementing imagery programs in future research. Furthermore, evidence shows that currently not much is done with imagery programs in music education even though both students and teachers in questionnaires indicate that they know it can be very helpful and important. By making the exercises available and more approachable, it can become easier to implement mental imagery in daily practice habits. Finally, this research forms a potential basis for further research on mental imagery programs.
For me personally this research has brought me a lot. The literature review confirmed mostly what I already suspected before starting the research: imagery and mental practicing can help to a great extent to make practice sessions more effective. However, it surprised me how little was known about the specific exercises and specific mental training programs that were used in literature. As a result, a main part of my research involved collecting and categorizing different exercises I was able to find. The mental imagery program I implemented on myself was also very helpful and inspiring. Of course, it takes more than one month to make something a habit, but the results were convincing enough to keep continuing with the exercises after the intervention period. Where practicing more economically was the desired outcome of this research, it has brought me more than that. I was able to experience first hand how imagery can also contribute to enjoyment, confidence and motivation, which is even more important than just practicing in the most economic way.
