Music self-efficacy predicted by self-esteem, grit, and (in)formal learning preferences among amateur musicians who use online music tutorials

The present study explores the relationship between music self-efficacy (MSE) and self-esteem, grit, and learning and playing habits of amateur musicians who use online music tutorials (OMTs) while learning to play new pieces. Amateur musicians ( N = 409) from 30 countries answered research questionnaires, including preferences of autonomy OMTs (foster independent learners and incorporate knowledge) versus dependent OMTs (based mainly on imitation and provide little further knowledge). Ordinary least squares regression indicated that the independent variables accounted for 50% of the variance in the dependent variable (MSE) and that the model was significant. The results indicated that self-esteem, grit, preferences of autonomy OMTs, playing with others and weekly hours of playing were positive predictors of MSE. In addition, dependent OMTs were negatively correlated with MSE. The findings highlight the need to examine any possible causality in the relationship between learning and playing habits, and MSE of amateur musicians. In addition, data were collected in the midst of the Covid-19 worldwide impact and should be further explored post-Covid-19.