ABSTRACT
In fields such as music psychology or performance science, the types of insights based on familiarity with a given subject may vary according to the scope and specific approaches of the research carried out. Researchers addressing aspects of applied music psychology, on the other hand, such as performance anxiety or fingering in piano playing may benefit from the experience of performing in public, or from having struggled themselves to find the best fingering in a Bach fugue. This chapter reflects the backgrounds of music researchers and the perspectives they take in their research. Familiarity in research is considered under four main headings: researcher's career transitions; their decisions to work in the field; their experiences as music performers; and their listening habits. Findings from a recent online survey of more than 100 music researchers are presented, providing an empirical basis for discussion. The chapter shows approach as being in line with the increasing awareness of the importance of reflexivity in research.
