The Motivation Game! E: 326 with Clare Southworth & Jean-Paul Wright

In the latest episode of Talking Flutes, hosts Jean-Paul and Clare Southworth take us on an enlightening journey through the realms of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, particularly in the context of musicianship. Whether you're a novice flute player or a seasoned professional, understanding what drives you is crucial to your growth and success.

The duo wastes no time diving into the topic at hand: intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Clare explains that intrinsic motivation is the drive to complete a task because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards.

Jean-Paul and Claire share personal anecdotes that highlight their early experiences with motivation. Jean-Paul recalls how his initial motivation to play the flute was to keep his mother happy and avoid her moaning at him. On the other hand, Clare's journey began with a genuine love for the instrument, spurred by her curiosity and the joy it brought her. These stories underline the complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic factors in a musician's life.

The discussion then shifts to the role of parents and teachers in nurturing motivation. Claire emphasises the importance of introducing children to various activities and allowing them to discover what they love. She argues that forcing a child to practice can create barriers, whereas encouraging their natural curiosity can lead to intrinsic motivation. Jean-Paul adds that a good teacher should create a balanced learning environment that fosters both intrinsic love for the instrument and extrinsic rewards for progress.

As the conversation progresses, they touch upon the challenges professional musicians face in maintaining intrinsic motivation. Jean-Paul shares his experience of realising that playing fast and impressing others was not the essence of music. Clare agrees, noting that true satisfaction comes from within and that musicians must constantly remind themselves of their initial love for the craft.

The episode also delves into the impact of social media on musicians' motivation. Clare points out that while social media can offer extrinsic validation, it often detracts from the unique experience of live performances. She warns against the pitfalls of constant comparison and encourages musicians to focus on their personal growth and intrinsic joy.

Towards the end of the episode, Jean-Paul announces a temporary pause in the podcast series, explaining that they plan to make their extensive library of episodes more accessible. This pause is an opportunity to rejuvenate and return with even more valuable content.

In summary, this episode of Talking Flutes is a treasure trove of insights into the motivations that drive musicians. Jean-Paul and Clare's candid discussion offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to understand the delicate balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. So, whether you're a music student, teacher, or professional, tune in and get inspired to find your own musical motivation.

'Talking Flutes', 'Talking Flutes Extra', 'Bitesize' and 'Revisited' are podcast productions by the TJ flute company.  For more information visit https://tjflutes.com