Name
Interventions for Music Performance Anxiety: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurofeedback, and Vocal Meditation
Date & Time
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 10:50 AM - 11:20 AM
Description
Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a psychological condition characterised by apprehension and nervousness before and during performance. MPA can interfere with a musician’s ability to perform confidently and may diminish performance quality. Research indicates that approximately half of adolescent music students experience MPA (St George, 2005), many of whom lack opportunities to develop emotional awareness or access therapeutic support to manage their anxiety. Despite the development of various strategies to address MPA, it remains a prevalent challenge among young musicians (Herman & Clark, 2023).The aim of this study is to design, implement, and evaluate three intervention programs for MPA aimed at reducing MPA symptoms and general anxiety levels. The programs are based on the following approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), near-infrared spectroscopy neurofeedback (NIRS-NFb), and Vocal Meditation (VM).A total of over 600 music students aged 12-14 from music schools and conservatoires will be assessed for MPA and psychological vulnerability using the following instruments: a sociodemographic and music practice questionnaire; the Music Performance Anxiety Inventory for Adolescents (MPAI-A); the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children - Trait (STAI-C C-2); the Self-Efficacy Music Performance Scale; and the Brief Problem Monitor (BPM-Y). Adolescents exhibiting higher levels of anxiety (expected n = 160) will be randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups and one control group.The CBT intervention includes 10 group sessions focusing on developing practical strategies to manage anxiety effectively in performance contexts. The sessions include psychoeducation about MPA, cognitive restructuring, self-regulated learning, breathing and relaxation techniques, and gradual exposure to performance situations.The neurofeedback protocol consists of eight sessions organized into three phases: a three-minute baseline; anxiety induction through performance situations associated with MPA; and fNIRS-NFb training.The Vocal Meditation intervention, based on the Soul Voice method, involves 10 sessions centered on vocal use through practices such as breath control, body awareness, movement, sound projection, and free vocal expression.All participants included in the four groups will be assessed after the intervention, using the same instruments used for the selection. These participants’ music performance quality will also be assessed before and after the interventions by an expert jury.Results will be presented through quantitative and qualitative data collected throughout the interventions, enabling an integrated analysis of their effects. These interventions may offer valuable contributions to the validation of therapeutic approaches applicable in music schools and artistic contexts, supporting the development of integrated and scientifically grounded pedagogical practices.
Location Name
512F
Full Address
Palais des Congres - Montréal Convention Centre
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
Session Type
Paper Presentation
Presenting Author(s)
Sofia Serra