From Memory to Melody: The Impact of Positive Memories on Musical Performance

Maintaining a successful long-term career as a professional musician requires careful management of psychological states before and during performances. Since emotions can be heavily influenced by uncontrollable factors—such as audience reactions, venue environments, and fellow performers—musicians often find it challenging to regulate their emotional responses. Understanding how the autonomic nervous system (ANS), particularly the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), influences performance is crucial. The SNS prepares the body for stressful situations by triggering the 'fight or flight' response, which includes increased heart rate, faster breathing, and elevated blood pressure.

Recent research suggests that activation of the SNS can enhance musical performance, especially when positive emotions are involved. Recalling happy memories seems to stimulate SNS activity, improve emotional valence, and ultimately boost performance quality. Inspired by the question of how musicians can perform at their best under pressure, Aiko Watanabe, a Ph.D. candidate at Keio University and saxophonist, conducted an investigation into this phenomenon.

The study, led by Associate Professor Shinya Fujii and published in "Frontiers in Psychology" on September 2, 2025, involved thirty-six experienced classical wind instrument players. Participants, who played instruments such as flute, horn, and trombone, were asked to recall either positive or negative autobiographical memories—or no memories—prior to performing a musical piece. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data collected during the memory recall phase showed increased SNS activity in those who recalled positive memories.

Following the recall, all performers played the same five-minute piece, after which they evaluated their own performance and rated the performances of their peers. Results indicated that those who recalled positive memories prior to playing reported higher scores in performance achievement, valence (positive emotion), and arousal (emotional activation). Notably, the SD2/SD1 ratio, an indicator of SNS activity, was higher among individuals recalling positive memories, signifying heightened sympathetic response.

Dr. Fujii explains that these findings demonstrate that positive memories enhance emotional experience and physiological readiness, leading to improved performance. The key insight is that it's not just physiological arousal that matters, but how performers interpret and manage this arousal. Recalling positive past experiences can reframe physiological excitement—often mistaken for anxiety—into a state of readiness and confidence.

These insights have practical implications for musicians and other performers. Deliberately recalling successful performances can help shift perspectives, transforming stress into motivation. This strategy can aid in managing stage fright, enhance expressive performance, and promote mental well-being. The approach is also applicable to music education, where it can support students in handling performance anxiety and fostering healthier practice habits.

Watanabe emphasizes that understanding individual differences in interpreting physiological responses is essential. She notes that such reframing techniques are beneficial not only for musicians but also for athletes, public speakers, and anyone faced with high-pressure situations.

Looking forward, these findings may inspire the development of training programs that integrate positive memory recall, helping performers achieve optimal states and reduce anxiety, thereby supporting overall well-being and excellence in performance.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-memory-melody-positive-memories-elevate.html