Samenvatting

Technical mastery is often prioritized in Higher Music Education, leading students to focus predominantly on instrumental accuracy to play correctly (Hultberg, 2007). This emphasis can come at the expense of expressive development, hindering self-confidence and negatively affecting performance experiences (McPhee, 2011). Physical involvement while playing can create meaningful connections between sound, movement, and expressive intention (Bremmer & Nijs, 2022). Pedagogical approaches that integrate bodily exploration during performance may therefore enhance expressive development alongside technical skill. This study aimed to enhance expressive skills in Master-level music students by shifting their focus from technical accuracy (“How can I play this correctly?”) to expressive intention (“What do I want to convey with this piece?”). Specifically, it explored whether embodied improvisational theatre techniques could support this shift and how this approach impacted musicians’ performance experiences. Eight Master students participated in nine practical sessions incorporating improvisational theatre techniques. Participants embodied fictional characters, a wide range of emotions, and improvised narratives while performing on their instruments. Through game-like and exploratory exercises, they were encouraged to experiment physically and expressively. Data were collected through pre- and post-course group interviews and participants' reported experiences after exercises. Embodying characters, emotions, and narratives through improvisational theatre enabled participants to access a different sense of “self” (Petit, 2009). This facilitated exploration of new ways of moving, being, and playing beyond conventional stylistic constraints, fostering enjoyment and expressive freedom. This aligns with research showing that embodied emotional engagement can enhance expressive movement, reduce nervousness, and foster a sense of freedom where mistakes feel less consequential (Czepiel & Luck, 2018). The results highlight the importance of creating spaces for experimentation within formal music education. Encouraging expressive exploration beyond rigid success-failure frameworks can help musicians develop personal expression and confidence. Integrating improvisational theatre techniques can further support students in exploring their musicality beyond conventional constraints, fostering authentic approaches, and cultivating positive performance experiences.