Ana Beatriz Burin1, Ana Elisa Medeiros Barbar1, Ivan Sérgio Nirenberg2, Flávia de Lima Osório1,3. 1. Departamento de Neurociências e Ciências do Comportamento, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. 2. Escola de Música, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. 3. Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Translacional Medicina (INCT-TM), Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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.
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.