Self-efficacy and music performance: A meta-analysis

Abstract

While self-efficacy is known to play an important role in music performance, the magnitudes of reported effect sizes are inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to estimate the population effect size for (a) the relationship between self-efficacy and achievement, (b) the relationship between self-efficacy and music performance anxiety (MPA), and (c) the influence of self-efficacy interventions. A literature search identified 220 self-efficacy studies with 46 meeting the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity among findings required the use of a random-effects model. The results revealed a medium positive effect size between self-efficacy and achievement. Moderator analysis based on age identified a significant difference between secondary school and collegiate participants, while a comparison of instrumentalists and vocalists failed to reject the null. The relationship between self-efficacy and MPA exhibited a medium negative effect size with a significant difference between secondary school and collegiate participants. Self-efficacy interventions demonstrated a substantial impact on self-efficacy beliefs. Multiple contrasts identified differences in intervention effectiveness between K-12, collegiate, and older adult participants. The absence of vocal studies limited comparisons between instrumentalists and vocalists. This study establishes benchmarks for understanding self-efficacy’s role in music performance and makes recommendations for future research to improve achievement and the well-being of musicians.