Personal and motivational determinants of piano student performance in the context of self-determination theory

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of personality traits and different types of motivation to explaining individual differences in piano student performance and satisfaction of basic psychological needs in an academic context. The research was conducted in 2017 on a sample of piano students (N = 92) attending four music academies (Music Academy in Zagreb, Arts Academy in Split, Music Academy in Osijek, and Music Academy in Pula), making up about 90% of the whole piano-student population in Croatia. Self-assessment instruments were used to examine five personality traits from the Big Five Model, types of motivation according to the continuum of self-determination, the satisfaction of three psychological needs according to the self-determination theory in the context of music academies, and three categories of performance – piano success in the academic year, piano competition achievements, and public performances. The results showed that personality traits and motivational determinants could not predict piano success at the academy. Still, conscientiousness and emotional stability do play a significant role in public performances and piano competitions. Identified motivation proved to be important for these criteria as well. The relationship between psychological needs, motivation, and personality traits pointed to the significant role of the intellect, agreeableness, and intrinsic motivation, which proved to be important for satisfying the needs for relatedness and autonomy.