Patterns of verbal interaction in newly formed music ensembles

Ensemble rehearsal in the European classical music tradition has a relatively homogenised format in which play-through, discussion, and practice of excerpts are employed to establish and agree on performance parameters of notated music. This research analyses patterns in such verbal communication during rehearsals and their development over time. Analysing two newly established ensembles that work over several months to a performance, it investigates the interaction dynamics of two closely collaborating groups and adaptation depending on task demands, familiarity with each other and an upcoming deadline. A case study approach with two groups of five singers allowed in-depth exploration of individual behaviours and contributions; results are reported descriptively and supported by qualitative data. The results highlight changes over time that reflect the development of implicit (faster decisions) interactions from explicit (slower decisions). They show a trajectory of opening up and closing down in terms of interactional flexibility, enabling members to significantly contribute to the group, followed by tightening the interaction to establish stability for performance. These findings and novel employment of T-pattern analysis contribute to the understanding of human group behaviour and interaction patterns leading to expert team performance.