A survey of music performance anxiety among Norwegian music students

The present study surveyed the occurrence of musical performance anxiety (MPA) among Norwegian conservatory music students, tested for differences with respect to gender, educational level, instruments and type of educational programme. A total of 126 respondents (96.2% response rate) completed a questionnaire containing questions on musical background, perceived performance anxiety, a symptom list and certain variables that related to MPA. A question on whether the informants needed help with MPA related problems was included. The results reveal that MPA is a problem among Norwegian students of music. In the total sample, 36.5 percent report a need for help with MPA related problems. Furthermore, anxiety, both before and during performance was found to be associated with negative affectivity but not with positive affectivity. Gender differences were found regarding perceived anxiety, symptoms of MPA and need for help. There were no major differences between the two educational levels. Pianists and string players most often reported high anxiety. There was also a quite drastical difference in symptoms between the students in the jazz line who had substantially lower anxiety symptoms compared to the classical music students. The results have pedagogical consequences for teachers in higher music education.