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Published on: February 2, 2017
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Repeated stage exposure reduces music performance anxiety
Victor Candia1, Martin Kusserow2, Oliver Margulies1
1Department of Music, Institute for Music Research (IMR), Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), Zürich, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Psychology
|April 6, 2023
Summary
Repeated live musical performances significantly reduce heart rate and performance errors in musicians with music performance anxiety. Stage training is crucial for managing anxiety and improving live performances.
Area of Science:
- Music Psychology
- Performance Science
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Music performance anxiety (MPA) is characterized by high heart rate (HR) and restlessness.
- Previous case reports indicated reduced HR and restlessness after repeated performances.
- This study aimed to replicate these findings in a larger group of musicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of repeated live performances on physiological and psychological measures of MPA.
- To assess the impact of stage exposure on objective performance errors.
- To determine the efficacy of repeated performance as an intervention for MPA.
Main Methods:
- 18 string players with MPA participated.
- Objective measures included electrocardiogram (ECG) for HR and accelerometers for restlessness.
- Subjective measures included the Multidimensional Mental Health Questionnaire (MDBF) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for MPA.
- Performance errors were assessed by experts during three live solo performances of the same musical piece.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in HR, VAS scores, and playing errors were observed from the 1st to the 3rd performance.
- A significant increase in calmness (MDBF RU scale) was reported after repeated performances.
- Correlations were found between HR, calmness, VAS, and movement during performances.
Conclusions:
- Repeated stage exposure effectively reduces HR, restlessness, and performance errors associated with MPA.
- Stage training is vital for musicians to adapt to public performance demands.
- This training can prevent stress-related issues and improve overall performance and mental well-being.
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