Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
09:37
Measurement of Neurophysiological Signals of Ignoring and Attending Processes in Attention Control
Published on: July 5, 2015
Tuning out: boredom, mind-wandering and flow in classical musicians
Chiara Samatanga1,2, Alexandra Lapteva3, Wanja Wolff4
1Faculty of Psychology, UniDistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland. chiara.samatanga@fernuni.ch.
Psychological Research
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Boredom hinders practice effectiveness and satisfaction in classical musicians, while flow enhances it. Mind-wandering during practice did not show significant associations with outcomes. Understanding these states is key for improving musical development.
Area of Science:
- Music Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Performance Science
Background:
- Individual practice is crucial for classical musicians' development.
- Limited research exists on cognitive and affective factors influencing practice effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of boredom, mind-wandering, and flow on classical music practice effectiveness.
- To examine these experiences on both trait and state levels.
Main Methods:
- 105 classical musicians completed two 20-minute practice sessions.
- Questionnaires were administered before, between, and after sessions to assess trait and state experiences.
- Outcomes measured included practice satisfaction, efficacy, and creativity.
Main Results:
- State boredom negatively correlated with practice efficacy and creativity.
- Trait boredom negatively correlated with practice satisfaction.
- Flow positively correlated with practice efficacy and creativity.
- Mind-wandering (trait and state) showed no significant associations with outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Boredom is detrimental to practice effectiveness and satisfaction.
- Flow states are beneficial for practice efficacy and creativity.
- Mind-wandering's impact on practice effectiveness requires further investigation due to its complex nature.
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