Figurative thinking as the basis of the interpretive activity of the guitarist-performer: theory and development methodology

Abstract

The article explores the problem of formation and development of imagery thinking in guitar performers as a fundamental basis of interpretive activity in the context of contemporary musical art and professional music education. The relevance of the study is обусловлена the growing emphasis on the artistic and interpretive component of performance training, as well as the need to improve theoretical and methodological approaches to the development of creative thinking in future musicians. In the context of modern educational transformations, the performer’s ability to deeply comprehend a musical text and to create a convincing artistic image becomes particularly significant. Imagery thinking is considered as a complex integrative phenomenon that combines cognitive, emotional, and associative processes, ensuring the integrity of the interpretive act. The article analyzes scientific approaches to understanding imagery thinking in psychology and music pedagogy and identifies its structural components, including imagination, emotional reflection, associative thinking, and artistic generalization. The relationship between imagery thinking and the formation of an individual performing style of a guitarist is revealed, as well as its influence on the depth, expressiveness, and integrity of musical interpretation. Special attention is paid to the specificity of guitar performance, characterized by a wide range of timbral possibilities, polyphonic texture, intimacy of sound, and the significant role of articulation and dynamic nuances. These features determine the increased requirements for the development of imagery thinking as a means of artistic comprehension and adequate sound realization of musical material. It is emphasized that imagery thinking serves as an internal mechanism that transforms a musical text into a meaningful artistic performance. The article substantiates methodological principles for the development of imagery thinking in guitar students within instrumental and performance training. A system of pedagogical techniques aimed at activating creative imagination and associative thinking is proposed, including the use of interdisciplinary analogies (literary, visual, theatrical), verbalization of musical images, creation of programmatic interpretations, application of emotional and figurative characteristics, and modeling of performance situations. It is proved that the systematic implementation of these methods contributes to the development of independent artistic thinking, interpretive freedom, and a higher level of performance mastery. The results of the study can be applied in the practice of teaching guitar in higher music education institutions as well as in the training of future music teachers.