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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
07:17
Assessing the Effects of Music Listening on Psychobiological Stress in Daily Life
Published on: February 2, 2017
Music performance anxiety in opera singers.
Claudia Spahn1, Matthias Echternach, Mark F Zander
1Freiburg University Medical Center, Institute of Musicians' Medicine, Breisacher Str. 60, Freiburg, 79106 Germany. claudia.spahn@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Logopedics, Phoniatrics, Vocology
|September 16, 2010
Summary
Music performance anxiety (MPA) affects performers across a continuum. While physiological arousal is evident, its direct link to anxiety levels remains unclear, suggesting multimodal treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Music Performance
- Physiology
Background:
- Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a significant challenge for vocalists and instrumentalists.
- MPA manifests across affective, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological dimensions.
- Previous research indicates elevated physiological responses during performances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between anxiety levels and physiological arousal in musicians during performance.
- To explore the multifaceted nature of MPA.
Main Methods:
- A study involving seven opera singers and two instrumentalists during live performance situations.
- Measurement of physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Main Results:
- Performers exhibited highly elevated heart rate and blood pressure values.
- No clear evidence was found correlating the level of anxiety with the degree of physiological arousal.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the complex nature of MPA, with physiological responses not directly mirroring anxiety intensity.
- A multimodal treatment approach, integrating psychotherapeutic and body-oriented methods, is proposed for managing MPA.
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