tDCS and Musical Performance in Young Orchestra Musicians

This randomized pilot study aims to investigate the acute effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the technical, expressive, and stage aspects of musical performance in young orchestra instrumentalists.

A total of 24 musicians, aged 18 to 30 years, with at least three years of orchestral experience, will be randomly assigned to either an active tDCS group or a sham stimulation group. The stimulation will target the supplementary motor area (SMA) using a 2.0 mA anodal current for 30 minutes, with the cathode placed over Fp2. The sham group will undergo the same electrode placement, but the current will be turned off after 30 seconds.

The study will adopt a double-blind design, where neither participants, care providers, investigators, nor outcome assessors will know the group allocations. Each participant will perform a standardized musical piece before and after the intervention, and after a 2-hour interval post-intervention. Performances will be recorded and evaluated by independent expert judges using the Rubric for the Assessment of Music Performance Achievement.

Psychometric evaluations will be conducted using the Mazzarolo Music Performance Anxiety Scale (M-MPAS) and the General Musical Self-Efficacy Scale. Self-assessments of performance and sensations during stimulation will also be collected. Data analysis will compare changes in musical performance, anxiety, and self-efficacy between groups.

This study seeks to provide preliminary evidence on the potential of tDCS to enhance musical performance and psychological factors such as performance anxiety and self-confidence among young musicians. Safety and feasibility of the intervention will also be monitored throughout the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Musicians aged 18 to 30 years.
• Minimum of 3 years of orchestral performance experience.
• Active participation in a stable orchestra or ensemble.
• No history of neurological or psychiatric disorders.
• Not currently using psychotropic medications or recreational drugs.
• Willingness to participate in all study sessions.
• Signed informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of metallic implants in the head (e.g., cranial pins, aneurysm clips).
• Presence of implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker).
• History of epilepsy or seizures.
• Prior experience with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
• Scalp dermatitis or lesions at the electrode placement sites.
• Pregnancy.