Music performance anxiety: perceived causes, coping strategies and clinical profiles of Brazilian musicians

Abstract

Introduction Music performance anxiety (MPA) is characterized by long-lasting, high intensity apprehension associated with performing music in public. At extreme levels, MPA can impair the career and quality of life. Our goal is to describe the clinical profile, perceived causes and coping strategies associated with MPA. Methods In this cross-sectional study, several self-assessment instruments were administered to a sample of 214 Brazilian musicians (68% male, 53.3% classical/46.7% popular musicians). Data were analyzed using descriptive and parametric statistics, based on the variables of musical training and level of MPA. Results Percentages of indicators of pathology were high (40% high MPA levels, 37% social anxiety, 12.5% depression, 13.5% alcohol abuse), and musicians with high MPA levels were the most affected. A wide variety of situations were associated with MPA, especially those related to the individual (pressure from self/concern about audience). Emotion-focused coping and internal resources were prominent among the resources used for coping with MPA (breathing, increased practice, familiarization with performance venue), although they were not always effective. It was relatively uncommon for musicians to seek specialized resources and treatments. Conclusions The results demonstrate the vulnerability of the targeted professional groups and the need for preventive strategies and behavioral, environmental, educational, and pharmacological interventions to change this scenario.

Effects of intranasal oxytocin on the self-perception and anxiety of singers during a simulated public singing performance: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

“…This finding is relevant given that negative and catastrophic thoughts related to MPA are common and favor harm and suffering, with loss of quality of life and work. Studies show that from 24 to 40% of musicians experience high levels of MPA ( Barbar et al, 2014c ; Burin et al, 2019 ), which, besides anxiety, include dysfunctional thoughts, often leading individuals to quit the profession when experiencing high levels of everyday stress ( Barbar et al, 2014c ). This population requires special care and support to cope with these experiences and often demands external help, while there are still limited therapeutic resources ( Burin and Osório, 2016 ).…”

“…Lehmann et al (2007) call attention to the importance of cognitive symptoms in the maintenance of MPA and quality of performance. The presence of negative thoughts and lack of confidence regarding one’s musical performance appeared in an empirical study conducted by Burin et al (2019) as common causes of anxiety, respectively reported by 47.4 and 39.2% of the musicians interviewed.…”

“…Some coping strategies are used to deal with MPA, such as those focused on emotional regulation. However, these are not always effective, and some situations require specialized treatment ( Burin et al, 2019 ). A literature review ( Burin and Osório, 2017 ) reports the efficiency of cognitive-behavioral therapies, whose primary purpose is cognitive restructuring, intended to alter thought patterns considered dysfunctional ( Studer et al, 2011 ).…”

Musical Performance Anxiety (MPA)

“…Each context requires that other dimension be known, even for creating a sharing environment where each one of the knowledge can intervene in determined situations. Thus, the pedagogical dimension needs to be in agreement with the therapeutic strategies, and the medical interventions need to know the context of the musical performance, the specificities and discomfort of each musician, as well as their routines and technical requirements [51].…”

Preliminary Assessment of Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning Model Applied to Music Performance Anxiety in College Piano Majors

“…Research on music performance anxiety (MPA) has been conducted for several decades and is still ongoing ( Fishbein et al, 1988 ; Steptoe, 2001 ; Kenny and Osborne, 2006 ; Kenny, 2011 ; Topoğlu, 2014 ; Guyon et al, 2020b ). MPA is a globally negative and debilitating psychological phenomenon in musicians regardless of age, gender, experience, practicing time, and music genre ( Brugués, 2011a , b ; Studer et al, 2011 ; Barbar et al, 2014 ; Nusseck et al, 2015 ; Bannai et al, 2016 ; Sousa et al, 2016 ; van Fenema et al, 2017 ; Burin et al, 2019 ; Guyon et al, 2020a ). MPA had been identified in music students and shown statistically significant differences in various psychological constructs, including optimism, self-efficacy, achievement motivation, and sensitivity to reward and punishment ( Alzugaray et al, 2016 ).…”