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Musical Performance Anxiety: A Review of Literature

Educators and scholars have long debated issues related to musical performance anxiety, with concern for its effects on the quality of performance experience. Symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and dry mouth contribute to stress and make the physical act of playing an instrument or singing very difficult, if not impossible (Goode, 2004). Steptoe (1982) indicated that the physical systems necessary for musical performance are also those likely to be negatively affected by musical performance anxiety. Anxiety often occurs in anticipation of a performance, in which anxious thoughts surface in a musician’s mind. “An awareness of some danger causes fearful thoughts that trigger sweaty palms, dry mouth or trembling hands, that, in turn, cause behavioral responses such as missing notes and forgetting words” (Lee, 2002, p. 37). Music educators often provide inaccurate advice concerning how their students should cope with musical performance anxiety. Student musicians are often told that they will not feel the stress and anxiety of a performance if they are well prepared on a given piece of music. Despite this common assumption, researchers such as Nagel (1990) agree that increased hours of practice do not guarantee a performance void of stress and anxiety. “The anticipation of a public performance can undermine the confidence of the most talented performer at a time when competence is needed most. Not surprisingly, the physical and psychological symptoms of performance anxiety often prevent the attainment of success” (p. 37). The purpose of this article is to review research literature regarding musical performance anxiety and its potential effects on musicians. The review includes studies concerning musical performance anxiety of middle school, high school, and college students, as well as professional and amateur adult musicians. It addresses psychological causes, outside influences, and treatments. Purposes, procedures, and results of these studies are described, and suggestions are made regarding potential benefits or detriments of musical performance anxiety, with relevant advice for music educators.