Lose yourself in the music: regulating performance emotional states through music

The intertwined nature of music and sport can be seen from the pool deck at low-level swimming competitions to the biggest sporting events such as the World Cup football (soccer) final. Athletes’ use of music has come under increasing scrutiny as sport psychology scientists and practitioners have sought to better understand how it can best be used to regulate emotions and enhance performance. The authors begin this chapter by presenting current understandings of how music impacts an individual’s emotional state. Current research into pre-performance music is then reviewed in relation to the different ways in which researchers have sought to explain or understand how music can best be used to regulate emotions and positively impact performance. A practical application of music use is then provided through an example in which pre-performance music is used in an idiographic and dynamic manner. Finally, future research pathways and further potential uses of music within pre-performance routines are presented.