The Role of Perceived Self-Efficacy in the Development of Musical Ability: What Can the Study of Successful Musicians Tell Us about Teaching Music to Able Children?

Abstract

The role of perceived self-efficacy is important to human social development and to learning in general, but how it relates to music talent development is not well understood. This article explores the concept of perceived self-efficacy as it relates to the development of musical talent by considering what is meant by the concepts of high ability in music and self-efficacy, and by discussing the results of interviews with successful professional musicians. The interview data suggest the need for four aspects of self-efficacy to be present in order to fully develop talent: individual judgement of capability; a belief that outcomes are tied to individual actions; self-regulation of activities related to learning; and persistence in the face of difficulties. The implications of this for music teaching are also discussed.

Validation of the Musical Identity Measure: Exploring musical identity as a variable across multiple types of musicians

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A critical review of child perfectionism as it relates to music pedagogy

“…Within this context, performative activities such as music and sports may cultivate and perpetuate perfectionism in children. In these fields, regular and repetitive practice is critical to eliminating mistakes, demanding high levels of self-efficacy, control, and regulation (Hennessy et al, 2019; Jaap & Patrick, 2011; Patston, 2014; Ritchie & Williamon, 2011; Winsler et al, 2011). Musicians devote a great deal of time to intensive practice in preparation to perform in contexts where the expectations are high and feedback is both immediate and public (Dobos et al, 2019; Kobori et al, 2011; Patston & Osborne, 2016).…”