Affective and motivational responses to immersive VR versus acoustic instruments in music therapy trainees: A pilot feasibility study

Music therapy is supported by evidence across clinical populations, with reported benefits on emotional well-being, mood symptoms, and psychosocial functioning. However, delivering active music-making may be limited by practical constraints (e.g., space, cost, and instrument access). Immersive virtual reality (VR) may help address these barriers by enabling interaction with virtual yet embodied musical instruments via motion tracking and multisensory feedback, although evidence in music therapy remains limited. This pilot feasibility study used a within-subject comparative design to examine the acceptability and feasibility of immersive VR music-making in music therapy trainees and tested whether affective and motivational responses were comparable to a brief real-instrument percussion activity. Forty-six trainees completed both conditions in counterbalanced order during a training day. Affect was assessed at baseline and after each condition using the PANAS; intrinsic motivation was assessed after each condition using five IMI subscales; baseline attitudes toward digital music technologies were measured via a VAS. PANAS scores showed no significant time effects, despite small descriptive shifts after both activities. No significant differences emerged between VR and real-instrument percussion on any IMI subscale, suggesting similar interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, effort/importance, pressure/tension, and perceived value/usefulness. Baseline digital attitudes did not predict VR outcomes. Overall, immersive VR music-making was feasible and acceptable for trainees and elicited motivational and affective responses comparable to real-instrument percussion. These findings support further development of VR-based music therapy protocols, particularly where patient's logistical constraints or health status limit implementation of in-person music therapy, while underscoring the need for controlled clinical studies with patient samples and repeated-session designs.