This study investigates whether music and guided imagery (GI) scripts can reduce performance anxiety in tertiary music students, both independently and in combination.
The study is conducted entirely online and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: music only, GI script only, music and GI script combined, or a control group. Anxiety levels will be measured at two time points to compare the effectiveness of each approach. Participants will complete an online experiment with questionnaires, listen to a short audio session, and reflect on their own musical performance. The three experimental groups will receive either music, a guided imagery script, or both as interventions; the control group will receive a museum audio tour. Music stimuli are instrumental tracks selected from validated studies. Guided imagery scripts are drawn from validated sources developed by clinicians or researchers with expertise in anxiety management.
Participants are tertiary-level students currently enrolled on a music degree, diploma, or certificate program, studying music instruments (including vocals), with a performance-based course as part of their studies. Inclusion criteria are: Over the age of 17; Domestic and international tertiary education students currently enrolled in a music program, studying an instrument (including vocals); Fluent in English.
Here is the study link: https://run.pavlovia.org/umkayawsu/AdeTestV02/ Please note that the study works on desktop computers and laptops with internet access.
Ethics committee approval number: 2024/HE001600