Essay on Musical Performance Anxiety - 2224 Words

Musical performance anxiety (MPA) is a deleterious phenomenon that affects musicians of all ages and performance abilities. There are a number of musicians who experience great joy and exhilaration when performing, but for other musicians, performing can elicit feelings of dread, terror, or fright. In many cases, MPA can be so severe that symptoms noticeably disrupt performances, or end careers. MPA is stimulated by performing or being in front of an audience, and results from anticipating a negative evaluation. MPA, in its most recent definition, is typically understood as resulting from a combination of three disparate, but interacting phenomena: psychological arousal, behavioral alterations, and fearful thoughts. Currently,†¦show more content†¦CHAPTER 1 A SUMMARY OF BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATION TREATMENTS FOR THOSE SUFFERING WITH MUSICAL PERFORMANCE ANXIETY Behavioral treatments aimed at reducing the amount of anxiety produced from a performance environment have produced observable behavior changes in individuals with MPA—especially in the areas of anxiety reduction, and self-perception. Bandura, as cited by Kendrick et al. states that â€Å"behavioral intervention procedures change defensive behaviors by altering perceptions of self-efficacy.† Meichenbaum, also cited by Kendrick et al. states as a caveat to psychological treatment of anxiety disorders that therapies are only â€Å"effective to the extent that they alter covert self-instructions.† Behavioral modifications in those with MPA, according to authors, may be an effective method in which to do this. The importance of altering behavioral tendencies in those with MPA is imperative, according to authors, because there are a number of behavioral responses indicative of the disorder. Such behaviors include: worrying about the individual’s own performan ce, in addition to how well others are doing, ruminating over alternative responses to their current behaviors, becoming preoccupied with feelings of inadequacy, anticipation ofShow MoreRelatedThe Difficulty of Assessing Musical Performance Essay1156 Words   |  5 PagesThe difficulty of assessing musical performance Musical Performance poses many difficulties in terms of assessment. In a maths exam there is typically one answer to a problem but there are many ways to perform a Beethoven symphony, a contemporary song, a traditional tune or a jazz piece. Obviously basic concepts for a musical performance must be observed but each individual’s interpretation is likely to be different. 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