This article by Dr Carli D’Alebout and Prof Liesl van der Merwe was published in Psychology of Music in November 2025.
This interpretative phenomenological analysis looked at how five professional South African violinists experience “flow” — that special state where performing feels effortless, fully focused, and deeply enjoyable — during solo and chamber music performances. Through in-depth interviews, the researchers generated eight themes that explain these violinists’ flow experiences.
- All violinists agreed that strong preparation is essential. When they feel technically secure, flow becomes possible; when they don’t, flow is almost impossible.
- Flow requires careful control of attention and thoughts. The players described staying deeply focused on sound, technique, and physical sensations to block out doubts or distractions.
- Emotion and musical meaning play a big role. Musicians enter flow more easily when they focus on expressing the music’s message rather than obsessing over technical perfection.
- Relationships with fellow musicians matter. Good communication, trust, and shared interpretation support flow, especially in chamber music.
- The audience can help or hinder flow experiences. A responsive, engaged audience boosts energy and confidence, while intimidating faces or judgmental listeners can break focus.
- Past experiences also guide how musicians cope with stress and shape their confidence on stage.
- Each violinist had their own personal way of understanding flow.
- All said that once they experience it, they constantly hope to feel it again.
The findings show that flow isn’t accidental; it can be encouraged through technical readiness, mindset, emotional engagement, and healthy musical relationships.
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D’Alebout, C. & Van der Merwe, L. 2025. Exploring five professional violinists’ flow experiences during solo and chamber music performances: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Psychology of Music, https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356251386030
