Research indicates that several students of music lose interest in the art after years of repetitive practice. At the same time, music is an art that brings people together, and brings joy into people’s lives. It is a celebratory art at important junctions, such as weddings, funerals, and other milestones.
Why then, is it that students choose to leave what should be a joyful journey after years of hard work? Some have even described music as a fundamental birth right.
Studies also show that students leave the field of music for various reasons such as loss of interest, loss of joy, cognitive overload, and rigid educational systems.
This paper aims to identify challenges faced by young musicians and pianists in the areas of mind, body, and emotion, as published in existing literature. However, in order for a student of music or the piano to overcome challenges in said areas, one must first be aware of what those challenges are at a personal level. Hence, this research paper simultaneously explores potential mindfulness practices at an individual’s level, in the areas of cognitive, emotional, and physiological awareness with respect to music, piano performance, and learning.
The research method employed is that of a critical literature review of existing research in the areas of cognition, emotion, and physiology, through the lens of music education, with some focus on the piano.