Methods of stress management in classical music performance : master's thesis

Tokarz, Magdalena (author), Balžalorsky, Volodja (mentor)

The following thesis is about dealing with stress in performing classical music. It focuses mainly on performance-related excessive reaction to stress called music performance anxiety, explicating its symptoms, causes and effects, and providing knowledge of its prevention and management. Chapter 2 first discusses the definition of music performance anxiety by prominent researcher of this topic Dianna Kenny, followed by differences between stage fright and performance anxiety. Next, physiological, cognitive, emotional and behavioural symptoms of music performance anxiety are presented, followed by its causes, e.g. subjective, objective, etc. The chapter concludes with a description of the effects of music performance anxiety. All of the latter provide a good theoretical basis for personal diagnosis, which is necessary to take appropriate steps to deal with stress successfully. Chapter 3 covers the holistic approach to overcoming performance anxiety by raising the following issues: the role of a teacher, suitable repertoire, goal setting, effective practice, methods of therapies known for being helpful in music performance anxiety, self-talk, asking questions that help understand one’s motivation behind being a musician and performing, self-esteem and mental resilience. Often neglected by musicians, some of the aforementioned subjects are actually crucial in stress prevention. Chapter 4 outlines various relaxation techniques (e.g. mindfulness, breathing exercises, grounding and centering, physical relaxation techniques and visualisation) that can be practiced prior to performance, thereby helping prepare the mind and body for a challenge. Finally, we describe pre-performance backstage habits and techniques that may be utilised shortly before going onstage, e.g. power poses, auto-suggestion, breathing practice, body shaking, aromatherapy, turning stress into excitement and stimulation. They provide stress relief, readiness for accomplishing a task, an energy boost and growing self-confidence, all of which are essential in allowing a musician to perform at their optimal level.

• Language: English
• Keywords: music performanca anxiety, physical preparation for performance, psychological preparation for performance, relaxation techniques, music educationbackstage techniques
• Work type: Master's thesis/paper
• Typology: 2.09 - Master's Thesis
• Organization: AG - Academy of Music
• Place of publishing: Ljubljana
• Publisher: M. Tokarz
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: 26 f.
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-159004
• UDC: 78.071.2:159.9
• COBISS.SI-ID: 198575875
• Publication date in RUL: 27.06.2024

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: psihologija glasbe, stres, glasbeniki, izvajanje glasbe, fizična priprava izvajalca, psihološka priprava izvajalca, sprostitvene tehnike, magistrska dela