Dimensions of flow in academic and social activities among summer music camp participants

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of flow experiences among high school music students attending a two-week summer instrumental music camp. Specifically, the study sought to determine if: (1) students do indeed experience flow in summer camp settings; (2) what activities are conducive to flow; (3) what is the relationship between academic and social contexts in inducing high-level flow experiences; and (4) what is the relationship between attention and enjoyment among these experiences. A researcher-designed questionnaire was used to solicit information regarding the aforementioned factors. Results suggested that students experienced flow during a large range of activities, but that musical/academic activities were more conducive to flow than social activities. Additionally, moderate to strong levels of association were found between the variables of attention and enjoyment among the highest-ranked flow-inducing activities. Suggestions for further research as well as implications for music educators are discussed.