The role of self-efficacy in a musical performance examination: An exploratory structural equation analysis

Abstract

The study reported here investigated cognitive mediational processes in the context of a music performance examination. The prime purpose was to focus on an aspect of musical learning - graded music examinations - that has hitherto received little research attention. The sample consisted of 332 instrumentalists who were completing Trinity College, London, graded, externally assessed performance examinations. Analysis of survey data was carried out using structural equation modelling. The analysis suggested that, in motivational terms, and consistent with research carried out in other academic contexts, self-efficacy was the best predictor of actual performance. The authors conclude that whil..