The aim of the present study was to understand if listening to music is a common part of tennis players’ pre-performance routines, and how this relates to emotion, memory, self-efficacy, and auditory imagery. Participants were recruited by contacting mid-Michigan college coaches and college club team coaches. After explaining the study to the coaches, a survey was sent to each participant online, requesting permission to take part in the study. Overall, 52 participants’ data were analyzed (n=52). Results showed that 58% of players typically listen to music before playing, either always or most often. Most players (90%) reported music leads to a positive mood state after listening. Although there was no relationship found between music which elicits memories of past successful events and perceived self-efficacy (p>.05), there was a statistically significant relationship found between music which elicits a positive mood and self-efficacy (p< .05). Also, over half of players used auditory imagery during match play, but less than half of participants perceived this had a positive effect on them. In conclusion, the present study showed music is an integral part of tennis player’s pre-performance routines, music which leads to an overall positive mood state is related to self-efficacy, and that players commonly engage in auditory imagery during match play. Limitations include the use of an unvalidated survey, survey length, and the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic on survey response rate and specific questions such as amount of time players spent on court. Further research is required to continue to explore the relationship between music, emotion, memory, and self-efficacy in tennis players, as well as athletes of other sports.
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