Exploring five professional violinists’ flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study explores how five professional violinists, who teach and perform in South Africa, make sense of their lived flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances. I am interested in understanding how the participants make sense of their flow experiences and to what extent Csikszentmihalyi, (2014:133) nine conditions for flow explain the inhibiting and promoting conditions of flow for the participants. By making use of an IPA approach, I can give extensive attention to each individual to deeply and thoroughly understand their sense-making. The five professional violinists, of whom I was also one, were purposely selected for this study because of their extensive flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances. My own participation in the study is not in conflict with the core principles of IPA. The participants' profiles added to the study's uniqueness, because they are all professional performers and violin teachers in South Africa. Data were collected by conducting in-depth, semi-structured online video interviews. Rigorous data analysis was conducted by using seven steps suggested by Smith et al. (2022:88-102). Eight group experiential themes emerged from the data. These themes are: 1) The importance of preparation; 2) Awareness and managing thoughts and attention; 3) Emotion, intention and the message of the music; 4) Interactive musical relationships; 5) The audience's role in the performer's flow experience; 6) The influence of past experiences; 7) Unique interpretations of flow; and 8) The outcomes of having experienced or not experienced flow. This study is the first of its kind in South Africa as it highlights professional South African performing violinists' unique flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances. The study contributes to the improvement of practice by creating increased awareness of the conditions that promote and inhibit flow experiences for professional, amateur, and student performers as well as music teachers.