The purpose of this dissertation is to deepen the understanding of the thought process of upwards comparison and its role in secondary school musicians ceasing practise, forming suggestions related to music pedagogy based on its finding. Existing literature suggests that viewing music content online and a belief in the importance of natural talent both independently exacerbate the effects of upwards comparison. A questionnaire was responded to by 25 secondary school students and two interviews were conducted with instrument tutors. Upwards comparison was not shown to be a negative factor to the motivation of secondary school musicians. Relatedly, no evidence was found that a belief in the importance of natural talent necessarily exacerbated negative upwards comparison. Musicians viewed online were found to be viable targets for upwards comparison.
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