Mindfulness for violinists
(2023)
author(s): Sacha Paredes Sánchez
published in: KC Research Portal
An overabundance of mental distractions may prevent musicians’ minds from being in the moment while practicing. The present mixed-methods study examined the effects of three newly designed mindfulness meditations on six conservatory violinists’ levels of dispositional mindfulness, mind-wandering and respective variables. Thought probes were used before and after the intervention to examine frequency of mind-wandering and contextual variables (task difficulty, fatigue and stress, and motivation) during two hours of participants’ instrumental practice (one of technical work another of a new piece in their repertoire). FFQM (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and MfM (Mindfulness for Musicians) questionnaires were used to measure mindfulness levels before and after the intervention. Interviews and meditation logs were used as qualitative data. Results indicated that all participants became more mindful at the end of the meditation week for all mindfulness’ facets for the FFQM and MfM questionnaires. However, the improvements were particularly noticeable for the “Acting with Awareness” and “Non-Judge” facets for the FFQM and for “Describe” in the MfM. Results showed opposing trends in mind-wandering levels throughout the intervention. That is, some participants showed higher mind-wandering at the post-intervention and others lower. However, contextual variables such as fatigue, motivation or worry, may have also affected how much participants wandered while practicing (e.g. some of them showed more rumination when being more worried and having slept less). Overall, results from the experiment evidenced the importance of including mindfulness in violinists’ daily practice as a useful routine to become more aware and less distracted.
Graduation Seminar (2021) Arts and Visual Communication
(2023)
author(s): Yamil Hasbun Chavarría, Pamela Jiménez Jiménez
published in: Research Catalogue
Graduation Seminar (2021) Arts and Visual Communication
This document constitutes the memory of the Graduation Seminar of the year 2021 of the School of Art and Visual Communication (EACV) of the National University (UNA), Costa Rica.
The theme endorsed by the Academic Unit for 2021 consists of the project directed by Dr. Phil. Yamil Hasbun Chavarría (EACV) and the M.A. Pamela Jiménez Jiménez (School of Performing Arts): Nodos Activos (Investigación + Practica artística (Spanish for Active nodes: Research + artistic practice).
The Seminar is materialized in 5 associated research projects focused on 5 different topics: Artistic research through dialogical and playful processes; Artistic research in the 4th Industrial revolution; The urge to allow research performed by students to be further and easier exposed; the experience interdisciplinary artistic research; and experiences of meta-artistic research.
Authors/students:
Mariana Cañas Lopez, Gloriana Cordero Rojas, Valeria Esquivel Jiménez, Wensi Fuentes Hernández, Andres garita Briseño, Susana Gonzales Gabrilova, María Gabriela Isturiz Rojas, Valeria Leiva Ruiz, Yendry Madrigal Mora, Mariela Martínez Alfaro, Gabriela Mora Araya, Maria Soledad Morales Brenes, Tifany Perla Brenes, Randy Rojas Diaz, Jose Solano Sanchez
Scenography in The Age of Distraction : Re-sensitisation to the Present Moment Through the Audible
(2020)
author(s): Fiona Patten
published in: Research Catalogue
This is the Final Research Document written and arranged by Fiona Patten for the studies of MA Scenography at the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten, Utrecht, class of 2020
AN OVERVIEW ON THE ARTISTRY OF THE CONCERT ACCORDION IN CONTEMPORARY CHAMBER MUSIC. A Performer’s Journey Through Shaping Artistic Identity
(last edited: 2024)
author(s): Naiara De La Puente Vadillo
This exposition is in progress and its share status is: visible to all.
In my doctoral research, I aim to examine the role of the accordion in contemporary chamber music performance practices through a process of observation, exploration, examination, and reflection as an accordionist. The focus of this project is centered on four doctoral concerts, in addition to my own embodied experience as a professional musician in Finland and Spain, working with various ensembles and musicians.
By integrating artistic processes, outcomes, documentation, interviews, and text, this research aims to contribute new insights and findings to the field of artistic research and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of modern accordion performance, professional career, and education.
This doctoral research project makes an original contribution to the field by exploring new knowledge and understanding related to artistic identity formation, specifically within the community of concert accordionists. By reflecting on the evolving identity of concert accordionists and considering their potential needs, this research sheds light on the present and future directions in the field. In addition to my own experiences and observations, I have relied on the valuable work conducted by predecessors who have researched various aspects of the concert accordion.
The full scope of this doctoral project includes four artistic components (four concerts) and an artistic doctoral thesis comprising an integrative chapter with three interrelated thematic sections. Section One delves into the aspects of the artistic possibilities of concert accordion in contemporary chamber music repertory. Section Two will analyze and examine the evolution of the accordionist's artistic identity formation, while the final section will provide a personal perspective on the evolving identity of concert accordion players and their potential needs within the field and proposes steps for their continued growth and development in the future.
Keywords: artistic research, embodiment, classical contemporary music, chamber music, accordion, artistic identity.