Creativity in Musical Performance: Musicians’ Notion of Tradition, Originality and Value of Performance

Abstract

This study explored professional musicians’ notions of creativity in musical performance. At this study’s outset, it was suggested that tradition and originality contribute to the construction of value in musical performance, and that creativity in musical performance should possess a good balance of these two components. Six musicians who specialized in Indian classical, Japanese traditional, Western classical, and jazz music were interviewed; interviews addressed the value of performance, musical factors constituting creative performance, and the development of creativity. Generally, the responses were clear. All participants considered tradition and originality important components of musical performance. Although these two components conflict with one another, all participants considered tradition an essential part of musical performance, and that originality should be built on tradition. Although these results suggest the relative importance of tradition, participants were not dismissive of creativity’s value in musical performance. Perceptions of creativity varied among participants; however, all participants, including the Western classical, traditional and jazz musicians were strongly aware of the value of creativity in musical performance.