B - 73 The Neuropsychology of Resiliency in Elite Solo Classical Guitar Players.

Abstract

Performing world-class solo classical guitar concerts live involves the mastery of complex neuropsychological operations, including a high degree of sequencing, multi-tasking, executive planning, synchronization, motor speed, as well as managing neuro-emotional regulatory processes. The potential for disruptive performance anxiety is often associated with the detection of threat-related stimuli controlled by the anterior cingulate cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and amygdala-visual circuitry. The current study hypothesized that professional solo musicians would be able to successfully navigate these neuro-emotional regulatory processes as assessed by scale N of the NEO Five-Factor Model. The NEO-FFI-3 was administered to 22 internationally acclaimed and award-wining classical guitar soloists who are actively engaged in successful recital careers and have graduated from prestigious conservatories including Curtis, Peabody, and Juilliard. NEO scores indicated low average levels of Scale N (Neuroticism) for this sample. Sex specific differences (36% of the sample was female) were statistically significant. Specifically, women scored higher than men on this dimension of emotional control and stability. Professional solo musicians must be able to balance the expression of musical emotions with their ability to execute the highly demanding cognitive task of performing live. The difference among women performers on this dimension is surprising and may be related to a different set of perceived entry requirements to perform in this traditionally male dominant profession but may also be related to managing stress differently. Limitations of the study include a relatively small sample size as well as potential cultural influences given that the pool of subjects represented six different nationalities.