„Nervous Blues”. A zenei teljesítményszorongás csökkentése improvizatív zeneterápián keresztül

Abstract

Background and Aims: Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a subtype of social phobia that is specifically related to public musical performances. In severe cases, it can lead to the end of a musician’s career. Several methods exist to manage MPA, among which music therapy, a nonverbal approach particularly suited for emotional expression and processing, is a promising yet under-researched option. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of a group psychological counseling/training program based on improvisational music therapy, developed specifically to reduce MPA.
Methods: We used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to examine semi-struc­tured episodic interviews conducted before and after the training sessions. Participants (7 women, 1 man, all university students majoring in classical music performance) shared their experiences and attitudes toward music and the therapy sessions.
Results: The pre-training interviews revealed themes such as performance-related anxiety, the close link between self-worth and musical achievement, and the positive experience of deep musical immersion. Post-training interviews highlighted increased conscious control and attention as coping strategies, as well as the importance of the group’s safe environment and musical improvisation in fostering both personal and shared positive experiences. The influence of authority figures on participants’ emotional lives emerged as a significant factor in both phases.
Discussion: Our findings suggest that improvisational music therapy can effectively reduce MPA at the experiential level by fostering flow and a sense of community. These tools may be beneficial not only as interventions but also from a preventative perspective.