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

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, and to what extent flow theory explains the inhibiting and promoting conditions of flow for the participants. Data were collected by conducting in-depth, semi-structured online video interviews. Rigorous data analysis followed a structured seven-step process. 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, as it highlights professional 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.