Cognitive biases in assessment of performance of instrumentalists: Do we hear through the eyes?

Abstract

Based on the question raised by Anthony Tommasini in an article of 2020 in The New York Times newspaper about the use of blind auditions in orchestra entrance exams, the article questions the validity and reliability of assessment criteria com- monly used in tests and competitions for instrumental musicians. Cognitive biases reflect historical processes and culturally learned behaviours, carry prejudices and collaborate to maintain standards determined by socialization. Although common sense among pro-fessional musicians points to certainties regarding evaluative cri- teria elaborated and judged by experts, such certainties are not confirmed by the scrutiny of scientific rigor, which points to visual interferences, among others, some of them with intersectionalities of gender and race. The text emphasizes the importance of seeking validation of visual and sound criteria for musical evaluation and, since the area has not yet been able to produce reliable evaluation instruments, it advocates for the use of the screen in all stages of the tests.