Muscle activity response of the audience during an experimental music performance

Abstract

This exploratory study investigates muscular activity characteristics of a group of audience members during an experimental music performance. The study was designed to be as ecologically valid as possible, collecting data in a concert venue and making use of low-invasive measurement techniques. Muscle activity (EMG) from the forearms of 8 participants revealed that sitting in a group could be an indication of a level of group engagement, while comparatively greater muscular activity from a participant sitting at close distance to the stage suggests performance-induced bodily responses. The self-reported measures rendered little evidence supporting the links between muscular activity and live music exposure, although a larger sample size and a wider range of music styles need to be included in future studies to provide conclusive results.