The effect of mindfulness meditation on the vocal proficiencies of music education students

2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562110622
Author(s):  
Eitan Ornoy ◽  
Shai Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Automatic Assessment ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Performance Quality ◽  
Practice Performance

Mindfulness meditation (MM) has been found to positively affect various aspects related to music performance, yet very few studies have investigated its impact on music performance quality. This study examined whether short-term MM activity would improve vocal skills in regard to pitch intonation, dynamics transmission, and vocal resonation. Experiment and control groups comprising music education students ( N = 55) made pre- and post-intervention recordings of a specially designed solo vocal music excerpt. Intervention consisted of a short-term online MM course covering the main elements exercised in mindfulness practice. Performance evaluation employed novel methods based on both automatic assessment strategies and expert judgments. Statistical analysis failed to indicate a significant effect. However, trends were detected for improvement in dynamics transmission and vocal resonation. Results might attest to MM praxis’ limited influence on music performance quality. The observed trends could, however, evince to the shortcomings of the treatment design. The implications regarding MM’s effect on music performance quality are discussed.

Musical performance and emotions in children: The case of musical competitions

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 480-494
Author(s):  
Mădălina Dana Rucsanda ◽  
Ana-Maria Cazan ◽  
Camelia Truța
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Assessment Technique ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Lower Performance ◽  
Performance Quality ◽  
High Dominance ◽  
The Relationship

Emotion is a condition that facilitates or inhibits music performance. Our research aimed to explore emotions of young musicians performing in music competitions. We tried to highlight the possible differences in terms of emotions between young singers who obtained prizes in musical competitions and those who did not. Another aim of the study was to explore the relationship between pre-competition emotions and music performance, focusing on the mediating role of singing experience. The sample consisted of 146 participants in international music competitions for young musicians. A nonverbal pictorial assessment technique measuring the valence, arousal and dominance dimensions of emotions was administered just before and immediately after each participant’s performance in the competition. Our study revealed that negative emotions were associated with lower performance quality while positive emotions, low arousal and increased dominance were associated with higher performance quality. Experienced young singers reported more positive emotions, low arousal and high dominance. Our results also revealed that experience in music competitions could mediate the associations between emotions and music performance in competition. The implications of the results support the inclusion of psychological/emotional training in music education of young singers.

Influences on teacher efficacy of preservice music educators

2021 ◽  
pp. 025576142098624
Author(s):  
Ryan A Fisher ◽  
Nancy L Summitt ◽  
Ellen B Koziel ◽  
Armand V Hall
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Efficacy ◽  
Music Education ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Music Teacher ◽  
Predictor Variables ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Convenience Sample

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence preservice music teacher efficacy. Participants in this study were undergraduate music education students ( N = 124), a convenience sample taken from six mid-South university music education programs in the United States. To explore the factors influencing preservice music teacher efficacy, a survey was sent to participants. The survey consisted of demographic information (race, gender, classification, etc.), questions about the predictor variables, and the Preservice Music Teacher Efficacy Scale (PMTES). Multiple regression revealed that the predictor variables accounted for 38% ( R2 = .38; adjusted R2 = .33) of the variance in the PMTES. Professional Disposition Scale score (β = .35, p < .001) and Music Performance Efficacy Scale score (β = .39, p < .001) contributed the greatest to the regression model. Based on these findings, music teacher education programs may consider implementing a type of professional disposition measurement throughout music education students’ undergraduate education. The results also reinforce the importance of developing music performance skills as part of a music education program.

scholarly journals Still facial photographs of long-term meditators are perceived by naïve observers as less neurotic, more conscientious and more mindful than non-meditating controls

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Goldberg ◽  
Matthew James Hirshberg ◽  
Lawrence Y. Tello ◽  
Helen Weng ◽  
Lisa Flook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Observer Ratings ◽  
The Impact

The impact of meditation training on self-report psychological variables is well-established. Although meditation training is purported to have interpersonal impacts, whether naïve observers perceive differences associated with long- and short-term meditation training is largely unknown. The current study provided a stringent test of this possibility through observer ratings of a very thin slice of expressive behavior: still photographs. Photographs were drawn from a larger study investigating differences between long-term meditators (LTM) and meditation naïve participants (MNP) who were exposed to one of three experi- mental conditions. Photographs of ninety-nine targets (16 LTMs, 83 MNPs) were taken at baseline, prior to the randomization of MNPs to an eight-week mindfulness meditation course (mindfulness-based stress reduction; n = 27), an active control comparison condition (health enhancement program; n = 29), or a waitlist control group (n = 27) and again after the training period. Pre- and post-intervention photographs were then rated by 25 meditation teachers and 86 undergraduate raters on five domains theoretically linked to meditation training. Results indicated that relative to MNPs, LTMs were rated as less neurotic and more conscientious, mindful, and “comfortable in their own skin” at baseline (ds = 0.61 to 0.70, ps &lt; .050), although not more agreeable or attractive. Results were largely unchanged when controlling for five observable confounds (age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, attractiveness). No evidence was found supporting experimental effects of short-term meditation training on observer ratings. Thus, it seems that if meditation is associated with observable differences in facial behavior, effects may be limited to long-term training.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Meditation Improves Visual Short-Term Memory

2020 ◽  
pp. 003329412092667
Author(s):  
Molly A. Youngs ◽  
Samuel E. Lee ◽  
Michael O. Mireku ◽  
Dinkar Sharma ◽  
Robin S. S. Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Behavioral Outcomes ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Memory Capacity ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Visual Short Term Memory

Research into the effects of mindfulness meditation on behavioral outcomes has received much interest in recent years, with benefits for both short-term memory and working memory identified. However, little research has considered the potential effects of brief mindfulness meditation interventions or the nature of any benefits for visual short-term memory. Here, we investigate the effect of a single, 8-minute mindfulness meditation intervention, presented via audio recording, on a short-term memory task for faces. In comparison with two control groups (listening to an audiobook or simply passing the time however they wished), our mindfulness meditation participants showed greater increases in visual short-term memory capacity from pre- to post-intervention. In addition, only mindfulness meditation resulted in significant increases in performance. In conclusion, a single, brief mindfulness meditation intervention led to improvements in visual short-term memory capacity for faces, with important implications regarding the minimum intervention necessary to produce measurable changes in short-term memory tasks.

scholarly journals A short-term evaluation of a prototype disposable Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device in a cohort of children with cystic fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin J. O’Sullivan ◽  
Valerie Power ◽  
Barry Linnane ◽  
Deirdre McGrath ◽  
Magdalena Mulligan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Intervention Participant ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Disposable Device ◽  
Positive Expiratory Pressure

Abstract Background Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices are important adjuncts to airway clearance therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Current devices are typically reusable and require daily, or often more frequent, cleaning to prevent risk of infection by acting as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic organisms. In response, a daily disposable OPEP device, the UL-OPEP, was developed to mitigate the risk of contamination and eliminate the burdensome need for cleaning devices. Methods A convenience sample of 36 participants, all current OPEP device users, was recruited from a paediatric CF service. For one month, participants replaced their current OPEP device with a novel daily disposable device. Assessment included pre- and post-intervention lung function by spirometry, as well as Lung Clearance Index. Quality of life was assessed using the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire – Revised, while user experience was evaluated with a post-study survey. Results 31 participants completed the study: 18 males; median age 10 years, range 4–16 years. Lung function (mean difference ± SD, %FEV1 = 1.69 ± 11.93; %FVC = 0.58 ± 10.04; FEV1: FVC = 0.01 ± 0.09), LCI (mean difference ± SD, 0.08 ± 1.13), six-minute walk test, and CFQ-R were unchanged post-intervention. Participant-reported experiences of the device were predominantly positive. Conclusions The disposable OPEP device maintained patients’ lung function during short term use (≤ 1 month), and was the subject of positive feedback regarding functionality while reducing the risk of airway contamination associated with ineffective cleaning. Registration The study was approved as a Clinical Investigation by the Irish Health Products Regulatory Authority (CRN-2209025-CI0085).

East meets West: Investigating the state of DJing culture and turntablism pedagogy in China

2021 ◽  
pp. 025576142199081
Author(s):  
Rhythy Quin
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Popular Music ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Performance Practices ◽  
Political Values ◽  
Music Classroom ◽  
Music Practice ◽  
Chinese Music ◽  
Self Discovery

In the West, the music practice of turntablism continues to gain traction and awareness both inside and outside of the music classroom, as DJing becomes more prevalent in mainstream music culture. This qualitative study investigates the extent and type of turntablism pedagogy in China, a country with different cultural and political values where traditional Chinese music remains the centre of Chinese music education. Twelve DJs from cities across China took part in a series of in-depth interviews. They were asked to recall their experiences learning how to DJ in China, as well as their opinions of turntablism’s inclusion in music education. Findings showed that participants preferred independent learning methods. In particular, participants significantly depended on Chinese social media applications to learn about turntablism and develop a national DJing culture. An absence of turntablism and popular music pedagogy in Chinese music education was the main reason for participants’ self-discovery and learning of turntablism. Findings also revealed a cultural disconnect between the younger generation engrossed in DJing versus the older generation’s fixation on traditional Chinese music to uphold nationalism and patriotism in society. This study examines an ongoing struggle regarding the extent to which popular music performance practices can be accommodated to work with the political aims of Chinese music education.

scholarly journals Effects of Attentional Focus on Motor Performance and Physiology in a Slow-Motion Violin Bow-Control Task: Evidence for the Constrained Action Hypothesis in Bowed String Technique

2021 ◽  
pp. 002242942110347
Author(s):  
Emma Allingham ◽  
Clemens Wöllner
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Body Movement ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
Slow Motion ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Constrained Action Hypothesis ◽  
Conscious Thinking

The constrained action hypothesis states that focusing attention on action outcomes rather than body movement improves motor performance. Dexterity of motor control is key to successful music performance, making this a highly relevant topic to music education. We investigated effects of focus of attention (FOA) on motor skill performance and EMG muscle activity in a violin bowing task among experienced and novice upper strings players. Following a pedagogically informed exercise, participants attempted to produce single oscillations of the string at a time under three FOA: internal (on arm movement), external (on sound produced), and somatic (on string resistance). Experienced players’ number of bow slips was significantly reduced under somatic focus relative to internal, although number of successful oscillations was not affected. Triceps electromyographic activity was also significantly lower in somatic compared to internal foci for both expertise groups, consistent with physiological understandings of FOA effects. Participants’ reported thoughts during the experiment provided insight into whether aspects of constrained action may be evident in performers’ conscious thinking. These results provide novel support for the constrained action hypothesis in violin bow control, suggesting a somatic FOA as a promising performance-enhancing strategy for bowed string technique.

Music Therapy Knowledge and Interest: A Survey of Music Education Majors

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-474
Author(s):  
Lori F Gooding ◽  
D Gregory Springer
Keyword(s):  
Music Education ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Music Teachers ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Education Majors ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Career Option ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Career Options ◽  
Music Education Majors

Abstract Music teachers play an important role in exposing students to career options in the field of music. As a result, there is a need to explore music education students’ interest in and knowledge of music therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate music education students’ exposure to, knowledge of, and willingness to promote music therapy as a career option for prospective collegiate students. A survey was given to 254 music education majors from four research institutions, two with and two without music therapy degree programs. Participants answered demographic, yes/no, Likert-type scale, and open-ended questions about their exposure to, knowledge of, and willingness to promote careers in music therapy. Results indicate that exposure to music therapy occurred in both pre-collegiate and college settings, and that music teachers appear to be influential in exposing students to music therapy. Students often sought out information on music therapy independently, which played an important role in how individuals learned about music therapy, though it has the potential of providing misinformation. Significant differences were found in participants’ knowledge and willingness to promote music therapy as a career option based on the presence of music therapy degree programs. Exposure seemed to be a key factor in music therapy knowledge and promotion; thus, music therapists need to ensure accurate dissemination of music therapy-related information in both pre-collegiate and college settings. Increasing the visibility of the field has the potential to expand interest and potentially attract young musicians well suited for a career in music therapy.

scholarly journals Mindfulness Research Update: 2008

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Greeson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Stress Hormones ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Optimal Health ◽  
The Brain

Objective: To briefly review the effects of mindfulness on the mind, the brain, the body, and behavior. Methods: Selective review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar databases (2003—2008) using the terms ``mindfulness,'' ``meditation,'' ``mental health,'' ``physical health,'' ``quality of life,'' and ``stress reduction.'' A total of 52 exemplars of empirical and theoretical work were selected for review. Results: Both basic and clinical research indicate that cultivating a more mindful way of being is associated with less emotional distress, more positive states of mind, and better quality of life. In addition, mindfulness practice can influence the brain, the autonomic nervous system, stress hormones, the immune system, and health behaviors, including eating, sleeping, and substance use, in salutary ways. Conclusion: The application of cutting-edge technology toward understanding mindfulness— an ``inner technology''—is elucidating new ways in which attention, awareness, acceptance, and compassion may promote optimal health—in mind, body, relationships, and spirit.

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