The Cost of Negative Repetitive Thinking: Threats to Wellbeing in Music StudentsIntroduction: Music students in higher education encounter numerous challenges on their path to a professional career, including expectations of perfection in performance, constant external evaluation, and competitive academic and performance environments—conditions that can foster rumination. Rumination is defined as the repetitive and persistent focus on negative emotional experiences, and is well documented in the literature as a significant risk factor for the onset, severity, duration, and recurrence of depressive episodes. Research has shown that tertiary-level music students exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression relative to their peers in other disciplines, such as medicine, sports, and psychology. These factors suggest that music students could be predisposed to rumination, potentially heightening their vulnerability to depression and anxiety disorders.Methods: Eighty music students from nine North American universities completed an online survey, including the 10-item Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), which measures brooding and reflection. Fourteen participants also participated in semi-structured interviews that explored the triggers of rumination.Results: Descriptive analyses indicated substantial variability in rumination scores across the sample (M = 26.50, SD = 6.08). A sizable proportion of participants scored in the upper range of the distribution. Women’s mean rumination scores were higher than those of men. Thematic analysis of the interview data indicated that post-performance evaluations and self-criticism were common triggers. Exercise and changing scenery—such as leaving the practice room or going outdoors—were cited as strategies to interrupt ruminative cycles. A few participants, however, described rumination as a normal part of their experience.Conclusion: Findings highlight rumination as a potential contributor to poor mental health among music students. Understanding this cognitive process can inform the design of preventive strategies to promote healthier learning environments and more sustainable careers in music.