Psychomusicology: Music, Mind and Brain27.3 (Sep 2017): 191-202. The concept of “musical addictivity” has previously been proposed, arguing that music activates the reward centers of the brain and thus can lead to behavioral addiction. Recent studies support this idea for music consumption. However, there has not been any research on whether these findings could be transferred to music practicing so far. Anecdotal evidence has shown that some musicians either continue to practice through practice-induced pain or have psychosomatic disorders at deprivation, thus transforming a former goal-directed behavior into a maladaptive one. In the present study, the hypothesis of music practice being addictive was first evaluated on a theoretical level taking into account psychological, clinical, and neuroscientific evidence. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.