Department/School

Music

Date

2021

Document Type

Article

Keywords

performance anxiety, stage fright, stress, Turkey, Turkish music students

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/02557614211005907

Abstract

This study investigated the music performance anxiety experiences of musicians in Turkey (N = 270), including their physical and cognitive symptoms of anxiety, their methods of coping with performance stress, and their perceived need for related resources. Analysis of the data revealed statistically significant differences in gender, with female music students reporting more frequent performance anxiety symptoms than male students. Reported physical and cognitive symptoms varied across age groups. The anxiety management solutions mentioned most frequently among students included increasing practice and self-motivation; other solutions included engaging in informal performances, practicing meditation or breathing exercises, or relying on medication or alcohol. Almost a quarter (23.5%) of students surveyed indicated they do not know how to manage their anxiety or have not found a workable solution. When asked what additional resources were needed, a third of music students and half of the music teachers surveyed indicated a desire for greater psychological support in the music schools. Others expressed interest in new courses on performance psychology, working with an expert in the field, participating in more required performance events, and having wider access to books and printed resources.

Volume

39

Issue

4

Published in

International Journal of Music Education

Citation/Other Information

Cornett, V., & Urhan, G. (2021). Performance anxiety experiences and coping techniques of Turkish music students and their teachers. International Journal of Music Education, 39(4), 504-519. https://doi.org/10.1177/02557614211005907

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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