The aim of this study was to examine the phenomenon of group creativity through the guitar duo, an ensemble which has received little scholarship in the field of music ensemble research. Specifically, this study revealed ways in which professional guitar duos manage non-verbal communication, and how they perceive moments of empathetic creativity during rehearsal and performance. A historical survey of the development of the guitar duo ensemble, along with literature review on specific issues of ensemble performance served as the backdrop for an observational study on the Henderson-Kolk guitar duo. Qualitative data was derived from video recordings of rehearsal and performance in order to examine rehearsal strategies that professional guitar duos utilize in order to promote group synergy and empathetic attunement during performance. A questionnaire was also forwarded to four members of other professional guitar duos which revealed insights into each individual’s own perception of the experience of empathetic attunement and how moments of empathetic creativity are cultivated. Results revealed an overall change in the main mode of communication between rehearsal to performance. Guitar duos utilize different rehearsal strategies to inspire or generate moments of creativity during performance, and the flow of empathetic communication is contingent on a duo’s capacity to listen and respond to each other’s musical intuitions in the moment. Permanent Link:...