Name
663 - Undergraduate Music Students’ Mental and Emotional Health: Challenges and Resources
Date & Time
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Description
In recent years, health and wellness among musicians has become a growing concern within the music education community. Many studies have investigated musicians’ performance-related medical issues, such as hearing, vocal, and musculoskeletal health, and injury prevention. However, less information can be found about the mental health and well-being of musicians, specifically undergraduate music majors. Due to the overwhelming course schedules and life circumstances (i.e., outside employment, school loans, lack of family support, financial burdens), undergraduate music majors are having more mental health issues than in previous years. Most universities offer emotional wellness services, but students may not be aware of the resources available to them. Additionally, what should be the role of music programs in the mental and emotional health of their undergraduate music students? Many researchers have examined the topic of well-being and engagement with music (e.g., Kang, 2019; Waddington-Jones, King, & Burnard, 2019; Weinberg & Joseph, 2017), but the majority of research has focused on adults and adult musicians. Fewer studies have been conducted focusing on the well-being of undergraduate music students in the United States (e.g., Gilbert, 2021; Koops & Kuebel, 2021; Miksza, Evans, & McPherson, 2021; Payne, 2023). The purpose of this study is to determine the self-reported levels and causes of stress/anxiety for undergraduate music majors. Subjects will be a convenience sample of undergraduate music majors from multiple universities, varying in size, including HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions). An online survey will be distributed to students identified as music majors at their universities. Results and implications of mental and emotional health of undergraduate music majors will be discussed. Research Questions: What are the self-reported levels of physical health, stress/anxiety, emotional health, and sleep for undergraduate music majors? What are the self-reported causes of stress/anxiety for undergraduate music majors? What are the self-reported coping mechanisms for undergraduate music majors? What are the self-reported emotional wellness resources available for undergraduate music majors at their university and/or music program? What mental and emotional resources would undergraduate music majors want their music program to offer?
Location Name
210A - Poster Gallery
Session Type
Poster Presentation
Presenter(s)
Karen Thomas, Debbie OConnell
Poster Board
38