Practice habits and motivation: A qualitative descriptive study of graduate instrumentalists

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine graduate instrumentalists’ practice habits, motivation orientations, and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their instrumental practice. Data were collected for this qualitative descriptive study through four participants’ videotaped practice recordings ( N = 4), video-stimulated recall ( n = 4), semi-structured interviews ( n = 4), and a questionnaire ( n = 4) about practice strategies adopted and motivation orientations. Four themes were emergent including (a) task-oriented practice routines, (b) solution-oriented approaches, (c) mixed motivations, and (d) challenges faced during COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted graduate instrumentalists’ practice progress and psychological state. Their experience could be a reference for other instrumentalists in applying effective practice strategies and achieving strong and independent musicianship. The findings of this study also suggested that instrumental instructors may consider encouraging their students to flexibly plan practice routines and give priority to short-term goals.