Researchers at University of York Have Published New Study Findings on Psychology (Physiological synchrony and shared flow state in Javanese gamelan: positively associated while improvising, but not for traditional performance).

This article focuses on a study investigating the relationship between shared flow—a state of optimal balance between challenge and ability during group tasks—and physiological synchrony in the context of Javanese gamelan music performance. Conducted by researchers at the University of York, the study measured heart rate and skin conductance to assess sympathetic nervous system activity as indicators of flow during both traditional and improvised gamelan playing. Findings revealed that physiological synchrony was positively associated with shared flow during improvisation but negatively associated during traditional performance, with variations observed between experienced and beginner players. The research highlights new quantitative methods for studying shared flow in musical group settings and suggests differences in flow experiences depending on the style of performance.