Current Issue

Volume 8 Issue 2-3, June/September 2025

The Central Strategy of Music Practice: A Blow-by-Blow Account

Micah F. Killion ¹, and Robert A. Duke ²
¹John J. Cali School of Music, Montclair State University, ²Butler School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin
Individual practice is a ubiquitous component in the development of expert music performance, and music pedagogues for centuries have offered prescriptions to aspiring musicians regarding effective music practice. These prescriptions are often characterized as practice strategies, yet they often fail to precisely convey the moment-to-moment process of skill learning, one that embodies iterative sequences of prediction (intention), performance, perception, and adaptation. There is as yet no systematic research that documents the behavior of artist-level performers engaged in successful individual practice. This study is a detailed analysis of individual practice of six artist-level trumpet players. Recordings were analyzed in detail to document how the artists allocated time, responded to discrepancies between intentions and outcomes, and organized practice activities to effect moment-to-moment changes in their playing. The results reveal that expert practice can be analyzed and described in terms of one central strategy: formulating vivid goals, performing, perceiving discrepancies between intentions and outcomes, and adapting subsequent performance trials to render momentary challenges surmountable. This is followed by iterations in which expert musicians adjust the parameters of each succeeding performance trial in ways that reduce the discrepancy between intentions and outcomes while maintaining a high percentage of successful performance trials.

A Hierarchy of Psychological Constructs Influencing Inter-Individual Variability in Elite Athlete Development

Bradley W. Young ¹, Joseph Baker ², and Royden Radowits ¹
¹University of Ottawa, ²University of Toronto
Repeated engagement with intensive, quality practice, sustained over a long period of time, is a causal mechanism of elite athlete development. The notion that there are psychological variables that result in significant inter-individual variability in how athletes engage in immersive efforts directed towards a sport, in how they engage repeatedly in accumulated practice, and in how they optimize the nature of their practice activities, remains under-examined. Moreover, the literature exploring this topic requires organization from a conceptual perspective. This paper (a) narratively reviews scholarly works relating to variables from personality, motivational, sport and educational psychology, and motor learning, as they pertain to sport expertise development, in order to (b) propose a hierarchical, conceptual model. This model describes three levels of striving for how athletes (1) direct their efforts towards a sport pursuit, (2) augment their practice durations/quantities, and (3) optimize the quality of their practice activities. We identify specific variables from the literature and propose concordant criterion measures that could be considered to test the influence these variables have at each level. While noting that the preponderance of literature addresses cognitively mediated variables in relation to quality practice, we advocate for the integration of eco-physical considerations for how individuals may differentially benefit in skill acquisition at the lowest level of the hierarchy. The model also considers the active and passive interplay of stable personality factors with developmental environments and their effects on practice-related outcomes.

What Do We Know About Player Selection in Academy Soccer? A Narrative Review

Rich J. Kite ¹, Kathryn Johnston ², and Joseph Baker ²
¹Bournemouth University, UK, ²University of Toronto, Canada
Identification and selection are critical elements in developing talented players in professional soccer. In academy systems, players must survive regular selection processes at various ages to retain their position at the club. Despite its prevalence, this process continues to present challenges that may affect the realisation of many talented players. This narrative review attempts to address what is known about ways to improve talent selection in soccer, while also highlighting key gaps in research that are critical for enhancing practices. Importantly, this review also discusses some of the many cognitive biases, both personal and systemic, that can influence player selection to ensure players are equally afforded development opportunities. This work has important implications for researchers and practitioners looking to improve identification and selection practices and processes.

Like Father, like Son: A Qualitative Study on Father-Son Dyads at Senior National Football Team Level

Martin K. Erikstad ¹, Bjørn Tore Johansen ¹, Camilla J. Knight ^1,2, and Tommy Haugen ¹
¹University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway, ²Swansea University, Wales, UK
The phenomenon of father-son dyads in professional sports is commonly acknowledged through anecdotes, but there is limited understanding regarding the dynamics within multi-generational sporting families. This study aimed to investigate father-son dyads within professional football, seeking insights into the influence of former professional athlete parents on their children’s sporting development. Interviews were conducted with the fathers and sons from three dyads, all of whom represented the Norwegian national football team. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The results that were generated through the analytic process highlighted several key aspects: (1) Former professional athlete-fathers perceived as role models that shaped their sons’ interests, behaviors, and aspirations for success, (2) Active involvement where the fathers played football with their sons and ensured quality practice, (3) Fathers as providers of opportunities, drawing from their own experiences, recognition, and professional networks, and (4) Fathers providing tangible and emotional support while balancing demands and expectations. Across all themes, fathers maintained a relaxed perspective on elite sport, emphasizing that football’s primary value lies in enjoyment and positive youth development rather than becoming an elite athlete. Notably, the results highlighted that the fathers’ behaviors, actions, and approaches aligned with existing literature and recommendations pertaining to parental involvement in sport. However, it was also apparent in the findings that the sons benefited from some unique aspects arising from having a parent with elite athlete status. This included fathers serving as an inspiring figure due to their professional career, granting access to exclusive experiences, and possessing insights into the demands of professional sports thereby offering invaluable advice and guidance. In essence, this study not only reaffirms established guidelines for parental involvement in sports but also illuminates the potential added value derived from having a parent with a background in elite athletics.

Exploring Collaborative Dynamics in Sports Science and Sports Medicine Teams

Andrew Burns ¹, Louis Nolte ¹, and Dave Collins ^1,2,3
¹The University of Edinburgh, UK, ²Grey Matters Performance Limited, Stratford upon Avon, UK, ³Dublin City University, Ireland
This study investigates the perceived prevalence and dynamics of interdisciplinary collaboration within sports science and sports medicine teams. Recognizing the increasing specialization within sports science and medicine, we explore how practitioners perceive and engage in collaborative efforts to support athlete performance. Drawing on survey data collected from high-performance sport practitioners, we examine the perceived levels of interdisciplinarity, hierarchies within teams, and contextual factors influencing collaborative practices. Findings reveal a perceived importance and presence of interdisciplinarity among practitioners, despite variations in their experiences and opinions. Role clarity, shared mental models, continued professional development opportunities outside of one’s discipline, and supportive leadership emerged as crucial factors for effective interdisciplinary practice. The study highlights the need for sports organizations to foster a culture that values and facilitates collaboration across disciplines, providing practical recommendations for practitioners and leaders to optimize team functioning and athlete support. This research contributes valuable insights into the complexities of interdisciplinary teamwork in elite sports, emphasizing the importance of organizational structures and leadership strategies that promote effective collaboration for enhanced athlete performance.

Except where otherwise noted, the articles on this website are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.