Reflections on Teaching Methods Catering to Students' Psychological Needs in Music Education Practice

Authors

  • Shuhui Lin Department of Music, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/cp4fvw25

Keywords:

Music Education, Self-Determination Theory, Performance Anxiety, Positive Psychology, Flow Experience, Emotional Regulation

Abstract

Music education has two purposes at the same time: cultivating aesthetic consciousness and fostering all-round development of people. However, the traditional model of teaching is highly structured and generally focuses on students' technical abilities rather than addressing their emotions and psychology; therefore, performance anxiety and a lack of intrinsic motivation have increased. Critically examine teaching methods in music education that address the psychological needs of students according to the frameworks of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), positive psychology and socio-emotional learning. Based on the research, an autonomy-supporting teaching environment that meets students' basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness can enhance their interest in music and creativity. In addition, this paper explores the psychological reasons for Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) and puts forward cognitive-behavioural and empathy-based interventions to help students learn emotional regulation and a sense of 'flow'. Change from a traditional, teacher-led model to a more flexible, student-centered one to foster all-around development in music education. Finally, this study offers supporting data to guide music teachers in creating inclusive, psychologically supportive teaching plans that promote all-round development of students.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Evans, P. (2015). Self-determination theory: An approach to motivation in music education. Musicae Scientiae, 19(1), 65–83. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1029864914568044

[2] Braden, A. M., Osborne, M. S., & Wilson, S. J. (2015). Psychological intervention reduces self-reported performance anxiety in high school music students. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, Article 195. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00195

[3] Barros, S., Marinho, H., Borges, N., & Pereira, A. (2022). Characteristics of music performance anxiety among undergraduate music students: A systematic review. Psychology of Music, 50(6), 2021–2043. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356211066967

[4] Clementson, C. J. (2019). A mixed methods investigation of flow experience in the middle school instrumental music classroom. Research Studies in Music Education, 41(1), 43–60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1321103X18773093

[5] Tan, L., & Sin, H. X. (2021). Flow research in music contexts: A systematic literature review. Musicae Scientiae, 25(4), 399–428. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1029864919877564

[6] Váradi, J. (2022). A review of the literature on the relationship of music education to the development of socio-emotional learning. SAGE Open, 12(1), 1–11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211068501

[7] Bernhard, H. C., II. (2023). Helping music education majors through positive psychology: A review of the literature. International Journal of Education & the Arts, 24(si2.4), 1–17.

[8] Bonneville-Roussy, A., & Evans, P. (2025). The support of autonomy, motivation, and music practice in university music students: A self-determination theory perspective. Psychology of Music, 53(6), 909–928. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356241296109

[9] Nuristama, R. U. (2024). Empowering musical engagement: Applying self determination theory in digital music education for Generation Z. Harmonia: Journal of Music and Arts, 2(2), 112–124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61978/harmonia.v2i2.1022

[10] Yue, L. (2025). The promotive effect of music education on children's emotional regulation ability: An empirical study based on emotion regulation theory and empathy training. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 51(Suppl. 4), S337. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbaf199.004

Downloads

Published

16 August 2026

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Lin, S. (2026). Reflections on Teaching Methods Catering to Students’ Psychological Needs in Music Education Practice. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 24(2), 139-142. https://doi.org/10.54097/cp4fvw25