Glossary

A collection of research-based terms for musicians. These concepts are drawn from cited research, broader learning, and general wellness—making the science behind practicing, performing, and wellbeing more accessible and applicable to your everyday musical life.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

  • Lowered motivation and feelings towards one’s job

  • The capacity to think, decide, and act freely and independently on the foundation of one’s thoughts and emotions

  • A dimension of perfectionism where the associated tendencies have a positive impact on experiences and personal wellbeing

B

  • A psychological state existing as a prolonged response to chronic stress

    Characterized by:

    • Overwhelming exhaustion

    • Feelings of cynicism, apathy, or detachment [from one’s work, most often]

    • A sense of ineffectiveness

    • A feeling of lacking personal accomplishment

C

  • A field of psychology that focuses on the science of learning and how cognitive processes can occur efficiently and effectively, as well as how cognitive processes affect experience and knowledge

  • A type of sensory overload that occurs when one is in constant contact with others in order to do their job or live their life

D

  • A system of connected areas in the brain that show increased activity when one is resting or not focused

    (also referred to as DMN)

  • Experiencing yourself or reality as if you were outside your body

    May include:

    • Feeling emotionally or physically numb

    • Not trusting your memory

    • Feeling robotic or automated

    [as in characterizations of burnout]

E

  • The power to produce a result or effect

  • A state of feeling emotionally worn out and drained consistently over time

    [as in characterizations of burnout]

  • The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of people around them.

  • The state of being extremely or completely tired

  • Doing something because it leads to a certain outcome

    Being motivated by an external force or reason

F

  • Extreme sense of tiredness or lack of energy caused from excessive labor, exertion, or stress

    Predecessor of exhaustion

    [as in characterizations of burnout]

  • The state of being “in the zone” where one finds a task or involvement of tasks to be effortless. Accompanied by a deep focus

  • Thriving in life and the ability to grow through struggles

    Often used in the field of positive psychology instead of “happiness”

G

  • The mindset that talents or skills can be developed through hard work, strategy, and feedback

H

  • Understanding and maintaining healthy physical, mental, and emotional relationships with music and music-making

    Fostering environments where healthy actions and relationships are encouraged, can occur naturally, and are celbrated

I

  • Doing something without external force because it seems interesting, enjoyable, or helpful

M

  • A dimension of perfectionism that has a negative impact on experiences and personal wellbeing

  • The act of rehearsing mentally, rather than physically with goals to improve mental image of task

    May also be referred to as “Mental Rehearsal” or “Mental Imaging”

  • A short break (lasting seconds to minutes) scheduled within long periods of activity or sedentary work to help prevent the onset or progression of physical tension as well as reduce stress and improve performance and overall wellbeing

  • Awareness of one’s internal states or surroundings

    The ability to observe one’s thoughts, emotions, and other present experiences without judgement or reaction

  • The act or process of having a reason for doing something (as a verb)

    The state of being eager to work or act on something (as a noun)

  • Refers to the health and performance of one’s bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and connective tissues

  • A broad term that encompasses the skills, knowledge, proficiency, artistry, and other qualities required for a person to perform, compose, or appreciate music effectively

O

  • An accumulation of training load that leads to a decrease in performance quality but, when followed with appropriate rest, can ultimately lead to increases in performance quality

  • An increase in training volume and/or intensity of work resulting in decreasing performance quality

    May take weeks or months to recover

  • A maladapted response to excessive exercise or work without adequate rest, resulting in the distress of body systems and emotional dysregulation

P

  • The process of resting and allowing your body to recover naturally

  • A multidimensional construct characterized by high personal standards, high levels of self-critical evaluation, and concern over mistakes

  • Fear and apprehension connected to the performance of a specific task

  • A field of psychology founded by Martin Seligman that focuses on the conditions and processes that contribute to wellbeing, fulfillment, hope, and general happiness

  • A branch of medicine dealing with emotional, mental, or behavioral disorders

  • The science of mind and behavior

R

  • The action or processes of returning to a normal state of health, mind, or strength in order to maintain or improve performance levels

  • The ability to thrive or adapt to adversity

  • A subjective state of being, most often categorized by minimal or limited mental and physical activity with the purpose to recover or rejuvenate

S

  • Showing compassion, grace, or patience towards yourself in times of struggle or frustration

  • One’s personal belief of their ability and capacity to be successful at a particular task

  • Also referred to as SEL

    The way children acquire social and emotional skills such as managing large emotions, making decisions responsibly, and managing stress. Generally includes five main skills

    1. Self-awareness

    2. Social awareness

    3. Responsible decision-making

    4. Self-management

    5. Relationship skills

  • Something that causes stress

W

  • The active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a holistic state of health (including physical, mental, and emotional)

  • A broad concept that encompasses a subjective state of happiness, positive quality of life, and sense of meaning.