Music performance Anxiety Flashcards
Important difference in music vs sport
Musical training usually starts very early (age six) when adaptability of CNS is highest. Not unique to music but often
Music is linked to sound production, precise feedback and temporal resolution superior to kinaesthetic and visual feedback.
Musicians work at upper limit of sensorimotor capabilities
Often extremely competitive environment and high numbers of performance anxiety. The flight/fight response is not very functional in music perf. compared to sports.
Music performance anxiety (MPA)
State of arousal occuring when musicians present themselves. 90% of performers show symptoms. 1/3 of performers have comorbid disorders
MPA symptoms
physical:
- Mainly from sympathetic activation of ANS, eg hearbeat, blood pressure, tremors etc.
Cognitive:
- Narrowing of thought, heightened alertness, concentration on fear/failure.
Behavioural:
- restlesness, avoidance
individual differences
People with same level of conditions can develop very different forms of MPA. Explained by eg trait anxiety
Choking
motor failure, increase of anxiet and decrease of self-confidence. Aka motor symptom of MPA. Level of arousal too high due to strive to excel under pressure (inverted U in drive theory).
Attentional theories account for indivi difference (other card)
- Percieved control of situation is crucial (influenced by situational and personality factors)
Attentional theories
Distraction theories:
- assume that pressure-induced anxiety occupies working memory, restricting task relevant info
Self-focus theories
- PA causes performer to sheft focus inward, or consciously monitor the skill which is automated, causing detrimental effects.
Dynamic stereotype
When lack of motor control persists longer than 4 weeks, failure occurs more regularely and motor programs in CNS deteriorate.
Seen as a long-term CuP, involves conditioned reflexes and complex interactions betw. cortical areas.
Looks like task-specific dystonia, but more modifiable
