NARCISSISM & its Significance for the Performing Musician's Psyche

Many narcissistic compulsions demonstrated by performers are fostered by an increasingly competitive market. The performing industry abounds with stage artists demonstrating GRANDIOSITY and ARROGANCE. However musicians with high levels of AMBITION, LEADERSHIP and COMPETENCE-BELIEF are revealing less stigmatised aspects of narcissism. This ground-breaking research on “NARCISSISM & its Significance for the Performing Psyche” explores whether musicians are predisposed to high narcissism levels and whether singers prove more narcissistic than instrumentalists. Healthy measures of self-love are essential for a performer’s resilience when confronted with the polarity of critique. The positive correlation between NARCISSISM and PERFORMANCE MOTIVATION substantiates my belief that the pedagogue should encourage their students to consciously cultivate healthy measures of self-love and regard. Teachers and performers aware of their own NARCISSISTIC DRIVES and VULNERABILITIES can minimise exploitation and artistic subordination.