Frontiers | Practice behavior of first-year university music students: thriving in unusual times

April 28, 2026 - 08:08

The practice habits of first-year university music students have long been recognized as a cornerstone of their artistic development and a predictor of lifelong success in the field. However, a new study published in a leading academic journal sheds light on how these emerging musicians navigated their formative first year during a period of significant global disruption. The research, which focused on the practice behaviors of students entering higher education in unusual circumstances, reveals a complex picture of adaptation, resilience, and shifting priorities.

The study found that the transition from high school to university-level music study, already a challenging leap, was further complicated by external pressures that altered traditional learning environments. Instead of relying solely on structured, in-person lessons and ensemble rehearsals, many first-year students were forced to develop a higher degree of self-regulation and autonomy. Researchers observed that students who thrived were those who successfully redefined their practice routines, moving beyond mere repetition to incorporate more mindful and goal-oriented sessions. This included a greater emphasis on mental practice, listening to recordings for analysis, and setting specific, achievable daily targets.

Interestingly, the data indicated a shift in how students perceived the purpose of their practice. While technical proficiency remained a goal, many reported a deeper focus on personal expression and emotional connection to their repertoire as a coping mechanism. The findings suggest that the unusual circumstances did not simply hinder progress but, for some, accelerated the development of crucial metacognitive skills. These students learned to become their own teachers, diagnosing problems and devising solutions without constant external guidance. The study concludes that this adaptive capacity, forged in challenging times, may provide these first-year students with a unique and lasting advantage in their musical careers, equipping them with the resilience and self-sufficiency needed for long-term artistic growth.