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Kenny DT. The Kenny music performance anxiety inventory (K-MPAI): Scale construction, cross-cultural validation, theoretical underpinnings, and diagnostic and therapeutic utility. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1143359. [PMID: 37325731 PMCID: PMC10262052 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1143359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
I commenced my academic exploration of music performance anxiety in a study with opera chorus artists from Opera Australia in 2004. I subsequently postulated a new theory of the aetiology of music performance anxiety and began the development of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) to assess the hypothesized theoretical constructs underpinning its diverse clinical presentations. I proposed a new definition of music performance anxiety in 2009 and revised the item content of the K-MPAI from 26 to 40 in 2011. Over the ensuing years, many researchers have used the K-MPAI in studies on a wide variety of musicians, including vocalists and instrumentalists, popular and classical musicians, tertiary music students, and professional, solo, orchestral, ensemble, band, and community musicians. To date, the K-MPAI has been reported in more than 400 studies and has been translated into 22 languages. It has been the subject of more than 39 dissertations. In this paper, I examine the research that has used the K-MPAI to assess the theory and to ascertain how well the assessment tool, and its cross-cultural validation have provided evidence for its factorial structure, robustness, and utility. The evidence indicates that the factorial structure remains consistent across cultures and different populations of musicians. It has good discriminative ability and utility for diagnostic purposes. I conclude with some reflections on how the K-MPAI can guide therapeutic interventions and with some thoughts on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianna Theadora Kenny
- DK Consulting, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Chang-Arana ÁM, Mavrolampados A, Pokki N, Thompson MR. When nerves hit: The effect of trait anxiety, situational stress, and task mastery on the perception and interpersonal accuracy of musical expressiveness. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1061922. [PMID: 36710752 PMCID: PMC9876035 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1061922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a prevalent phenomenon with potentially serious consequences to a musician's wellbeing and professional career. Yet, MPA does not always affect performance quality. It is hypothesized that trait anxiety, situational stress, and task mastery can exacerbate the effects of MPA and affect performance quality. Furthermore, it is unclear whether these effects are noticeable to both listeners and performing musicians. We measure performance quality as the expressiveness scores assigned by musicians and listeners to a set of pre-recorded performances. We selected three pianists with low, mid, and high MPA. Each pianist performed two pieces of their choice, familiar and unfamiliar, which were performed in rehearsal and recital conditions. The performances were videoed and edited into shorter clips for being presented to the performing pianists and to a set of online raters. Listeners and pianists will be asked to rate the expressiveness of all clips. We will determine the difference between the listeners' perceived expressiveness and the pianists' own expressiveness scores to estimate how well did listeners understand the pianists' expressive intentions. We investigate (1) what is the effect of trait anxiety, situational stress, and task mastery on the listener's perception of expressiveness and (2) what is the effect of these same variables on the listeners' understanding of expressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro M. Chang-Arana
- Brain and Mind Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | | | - Niklas Pokki
- Department of Piano, University of Arts Helsinki – Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marc R. Thompson
- Department of Music, Art and Culture (MACS), University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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Osório FDL, Espitia-Rojas GV, Aguiar-Ricz LN. Effects of intranasal oxytocin on the self-perception and anxiety of singers during a simulated public singing performance: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:943578. [PMID: 36033618 PMCID: PMC9403236 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.943578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Professional musicians experience intense social exposure and high levels of preoccupation with their performance and potential negative reactions from the audience, which favor anxiety. Considering that oxytocin (OXT) has a potential therapeutic effect on anxiety, cognitive processes, and decreased psychosocial stress, this study's objective was to assess the effects of a single dose of 24 UI of intranasal OXT among professional singers, during a public singing simulation test, on self-rated performance and mood. This crossover, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial addressed 54 male singers with different levels of musical performance anxiety (42% high). The participants took part in different phases of a simulated public singing performance and completed instruments rating their performances (Self Statements During Public Performance- State version) and mood (Visual Analogue Mood Scale). Data were analyzed using ANOVA 2 × 2 for crossover trials. The results show that the use of OXT during the performance and immediate post-stress favored more positive (effect size: d > 1.04) and less negative assessments of musical performance (effect size: d > 1.86) than when placebo was used. No treatment effects were found in any VAMS subscales, indicating no direct anxiolytic effects. The conclusion is that OXT can minimizes social stress, especially during performances. This finding is exploratory and, if confirmed in future studies, may have relevance for musicians, especially those who constantly experience and recognize the impact of negative and catastrophic thoughts on performance and professional activities. Clinical Trial Registration [https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5r5sc5], identifier [RBR-5r5sc5].
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia de Lima Osório
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Brasília, Brazil
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Roos M, Dagenais M, Pflieger S, Roy JS. Patient-reported outcome measures of musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial factors in musicians: a systematic review of psychometric properties. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:2547-2566. [PMID: 35118588 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To systematically review patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of musicians' musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and psychosocial factors and their psychometric properties. METHODS Six databases were searched. Studies evaluating at least one psychometric property of a PROM developed for or adapted to adult musicians and measuring MSS or occupational psychosocial factors were included. Study quality was evaluated using mainly the COSMIN checklist. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies were included, yielding 27 PROMs. Most COSMIN scores are Doubtful or Inadequate. Validity and internal consistency are the most evaluated psychometric properties. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in five studies (all inadequate sample sizes), measurement error in one, and responsiveness in none. The English, German and Polish Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity and Interference Questionnaire for professional orchestra Musicians (MPIIQM), the 40-item English and Peruvian Spanish Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (KMPAI) and the Psychosocial Risks Questionnaire for Musicians (PRQM, Polish) are the most robust scales for their constructs. Their internal consistency is sufficient (Cronbach's α ≥ 0.70). Test-retest reliability and construct validity are only sufficient for the German MPIIQM (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.70). However, results are based on one study per PROM; all require further validation before validity, reliability and responsiveness can be confirmed. CONCLUSION Due to generally poor methodological quality and one study per PROM on average, none can be confirmed valid, reliable and responsive. Yet, preliminary validation recommends prudent use of some PROMs pending further validation. Robust PROM studies are needed to fill the important literature gap regarding musician-specific, validated PROMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Roos
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada. .,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec, Canada.
| | - Marion Dagenais
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Pflieger
- Haute École Léonard de Vinci, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratoire d'Anatomie Fonctionnelle (LAF), Faculté des Sciences de la motricité, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Sébastien Roy
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), Quebec, Canada
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Sabino ADV, Chagas MHN, Osório FL. Acute effects of oxytocin in music performance anxiety: a crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1757-1767. [PMID: 32123973 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05493-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Individuals with music performance anxiety (MPA) present physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations of anxiety, in addition to information processing deficits, especially in facial emotion recognition (FER). OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) on FER in a sample of musicians with high and low MPA (primary outcome), as well as indicators of mood/anxiety and self-assessed performance (secondary outcomes). METHODS Crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 43 male musicians with different levels of MPA. Participants completed a static facial emotion recognition task and self-rated mood and performance scales. Data were analyzed using ANOVA 2 × 0 for crossover trials and the Omnibus test (measure of separability between intervention and carryover effects). RESULTS Only musicians with high MPA treated with oxytocin had a higher accuracy in the recognition of happiness (p < 0.03; d > 0.72). No effects of oxytocin were found on mood indicators or on self-perceived performance, regardless of MPA level. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate possible benefits of the acute treatment with oxytocin in MPA, which may improve the management of this common and disabling condition that affects professional musicians. The appropriate perception of positive feedback may increase confidence and feelings of social acceptance, reducing symptoms associated with the condition. The lack of effects on mood/anxiety and cognition may be explained by the context-dependent characteristic of the effects of oxytocin, since the experiment did not represent an actual situation of social threat. TRIAL REGISTRATION Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos): No. RBR-9cph2q.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alini D V Sabino
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University, Avenida dos Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil
| | - Marcos Hortes N Chagas
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Osório
- Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University, Avenida dos Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14048-900, Brazil. .,National Institute for Science and Technology (INCT-TM, CNPq), Brasília, Brazil.
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van Fenema EM, Gal P, van de Griend MV, Jacobs GE, Cohen AF. A Pilot Study Evaluating the Physiological Parameters of Performance-Induced Stress in Undergraduate Music Students. Digit Biomark 2018; 1:118-125. [PMID: 32095753 DOI: 10.1159/000485469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a specific condition for musicians. Although it can have a negative influence on their music careers, little attention is paid to this phenomenon both in the professional environment and in stress research. In the current pilot study, insight was gained into the physiology of the autonomic stress response related to anxiety in musicians when performing on stage by using a wearable biosensor patch for registration of a range of physiological parameters. Also, the validity of two different psychometric questionnaires in objectifying the stress response on stage to predict the individual stress response was explored. The autonomic physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, skin temperature) of 11 violists and violinists were collected while performing on stage and in resting state using the VitalConnect HealthPatch®. In addition, scores on validated questionnaires in research on MPA (State Anxiety Inventory, Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory, Short Form Health Survey) were collected in order to try to objectify the magnitude of the subjective level of both MPA and experienced stress. The registration of the autonomic parameters showed a significant increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, and stress level from resting state measurements during stage performance. Analysis of heart rate variability showed a shift from indices of parasympathetic nervous system activity during baseline measurements towards indices of sympathetic nervous system activity during stress measurements. Surprisingly, none of the questionnaires was correlated to the physiological stress parameters on stage. In conclusion, the wearable biosensor patch proved to be an adequate tool to assess physiological stress parameters on stage. The different questionnaires did not contribute to the prediction of its occurrence in a group of musicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther M van Fenema
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Pim Gal
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maxime V van de Griend
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel E Jacobs
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adam F Cohen
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Sabino ADV, Camargo CM, Chagas MHN, Osório FL. Facial Recognition of Happiness Is Impaired in Musicians with High Music Performance Anxiety. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:5. [PMID: 29472873 PMCID: PMC5810303 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Music performance anxiety (MPA) can be defined as a lasting and intense apprehension connected with musical performance in public. Studies suggest that MPA can be regarded as a subtype of social anxiety. Since individuals with social anxiety have deficits in the recognition of facial emotion, we hypothesized that musicians with high levels of MPA would share similar impairments. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare parameters of facial emotion recognition (FER) between musicians with high and low MPA. METHODS 150 amateur and professional musicians with different musical backgrounds were assessed in respect to their level of MPA and completed a dynamic FER task. The outcomes investigated were accuracy, response time, emotional intensity, and response bias. RESULTS Musicians with high MPA were less accurate in the recognition of happiness (p = 0.04; d = 0.34), had increased response bias toward fear (p = 0.03), and increased response time to facial emotions as a whole (p = 0.02; d = 0.39). CONCLUSION Musicians with high MPA displayed FER deficits that were independent of general anxiety levels and possibly of general cognitive capacity. These deficits may favor the maintenance and exacerbation of experiences of anxiety during public performance, since cues of approval, satisfaction, and encouragement are not adequately recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alini Daniéli Viana Sabino
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cristielli M Camargo
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcos Hortes N Chagas
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Osório
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute for Science and Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT-TM, CNPq), Brasília, Brazil
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Roitblat Y, Cleminson R, Kavin A, Schonberger E, Shterenshis M. Assessment of anxiety in adolescents involved in a study abroad program: a prospective study. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2017; 32:/j/ijamh.ahead-of-print/ijamh-2017-0101/ijamh-2017-0101.xml. [PMID: 29168962 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2017-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to measure the effects on levels of anxiety in healthy teenagers caused by a temporary change of country and school during a study abroad program. Methods In a prospective study we gathered the data from six anxiety level related tests on high school participants in a study abroad program (age 15-17, n = 364, M 172, F 192). These volunteer participants were divided into two separate groups: with self-reported elevated levels of anxiety (n = 111; YES-group) and with self-reported normal levels of anxiety (n = 253; NO-group). Two control groups of schoolchildren drawn from two local schools were used for comparison (n = 100 each). Three tests were subjective, i.e. self-fill-out tests. The next three tests were objective psychological or neurophysiological tests designed to estimate reflex control, concentration and a feeling for the passage of time. Results The initial mean anxiety level score among the 364 participants was 41.5 ± 16.7 (min 16, max 80) on 5-110 scale. For the YES-group the score was 56.5 ± 15.9, and for the NO-group the score was 34.7 ± 17.4 (p = 0.05). The retesting after they had been in the same place for 7 weeks revealed that the mean anxiety level score of the participants decreased to 37.4 ± 16.9 (min 15, max 72). For the YES-group the score significantly decreased to 39.3 ± 15.5, and for the NO-group the score slightly elevated to 36.7 ± 16.4 producing similar results for both groups (p = 0.81). Conclusion A temporary change of country and school at first results in a rise in anxiety levels in about one third of participants. However, after an extended stay it falls to normal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Roitblat
- Department of Sciences, Yohana Jabotinsky Youth Town for Sciences and Arts Six Year Comprehensive School, Beer Yakov, Israel
| | - Ryan Cleminson
- Department of Psychology, Mount Moriah College, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aaron Kavin
- Department of Psychology, Mount Moriah College, Sydney, Australia
| | - Edan Schonberger
- Department of Psychology, Mount Moriah College, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Shterenshis
- Department of Sciences, Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) affiliated to Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education (AMIIE), Hod HaSharon, Israel.,AMHSI, 8/6 Shivat Zion Street, Rishon LeZion 7534141, Israel, Phone: 97254-337-9865
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Varvatsoulias G. Performance anxiety disorder: Developing a proposal for an inventory, according to the cognitive-behavioural therapy rationale. Psychol Thought 2017. [DOI: 10.5964/psyct.v10i2.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This editorial aims at the presentation of a proposal regarding an inventory about performance anxiety disorder in a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) framework. It provides some initial understanding as to that condition and how CBT could assist in the consideration of it counter to social anxiety disorder. At first, there is an introduction to performance anxiety in line to social anxiety/phobia and some questionnaires that have been developed which include performance anxiety as an element of social anxiety/phobia. Then, I am presenting the proposal, both in view to the rationale for that and the construction of an inventory with items drawn from elements that performance anxiety is related with, such as uneasiness about worry, self-focus issues of perfectionism and internal/external shame ideas. The statements in the inventory refer to hypothetical examples in life so inventory to be easily responded to, when administered to participants. This proposal closes with the conclusion that the questionnaire will be pilot-studied in the future by the author so the feasibility of it and/or possible changes to be considered when empirically studied.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Professional violin playing has been associated with a predisposition to develop temporomandibular disorder (TMD). There are a number of risk factors, including physical trauma from the playing posture and the presence of parafunctional habits. Music performance anxiety (MPA) may also be a factor, as it has been associated with playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD). AIMS To evaluate a possible association between the presence of TMD and the level of MPA in violin players. METHODS An observational study using a written questionnaire that retrieved data related to TMD symptoms (Fonseca Anamnestic Questionnaire), MPA level (Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory, K-MPAI), instrument practice time, chinrest type, sex and age. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS Ninety-three professional or semi-professional violinists performing in and around Lisbon, Portugal, completed the questionnaire (73% response rate). TMD was present in 50 violinists (58%). There was a statistically significant association between the presence of TMD and high MPA levels (P < 0.001) and the most anxious violinists were six times (95% confidence interval 2.51-15.33; P < 0.001) more likely to report TMD symptoms when compared with the least anxious players. CONCLUSIONS Violin players had a high prevalence of reported TMD symptoms, which was significantly associated with high MPA levels. It may therefore be necessary to address psychological and physical factors simultaneously in musicians who do not improve with physical therapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I T Amorim
- Integrated Clinic of Dentistry Post-graduation, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária da Universidade de Lisboa, Cidade Universitária, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal,
| | - A I L Jorge
- Department of Occlusion, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária da Universidade de Lisboa, Cidade Universitária, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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Ackermann BJ, Kenny DT, O'Brien I, Driscoll TR. Sound Practice-improving occupational health and safety for professional orchestral musicians in Australia. Front Psychol 2014; 5:973. [PMID: 25249990 PMCID: PMC4158789 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sound Practice Project is a 5-year study involving baseline evaluation, development, and implementation of musician-specific work health and safety initiatives. A cross-sectional population physical and psychological survey and physical assessment were conducted at the same time, with an auditory health assessment conducted later. The results were used to guide the development of a series of targeted interventions, encompassing physical, psychological, and auditory health components. This paper provides an overview of the project but focuses on the health findings arising from the cross-sectional survey. Three hundred and seventy-seven musicians from the eight professional symphony orchestras in Australia took part in the cross-sectional study (about 70% of eligible musicians). Eighty-four percent (84%) of musicians reported past performance-related musculoskeletal disorder (PRMD) episodes; 50% were suffering a current PRMD. Of the 63% who returned hearing surveys, 43% believed they had hearing loss, and 64% used earplugs at least intermittently. Noise exposure was found to be high in private practice, although awareness of risk and earplug use in this environment was lower than in orchestral settings. Improved strategic approaches, acoustic screens and recently developed active earplugs were found to provide effective new options for hearing protection. With respect to psychosocial screening, female musicians reported significantly more trait anxiety, music performance anxiety, social anxiety, and other forms of anxiety and depression than male musicians. The youngest musicians were significantly more anxious compared with the oldest musicians. Thirty-three percent (33%) of musicians may meet criteria for a diagnosis of social phobia; 32% returned a positive depression screen and 22% for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PRMDs and trigger point discomfort levels were strongly associated with increasing severity of psychological issues such as depression and music performance anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwen J Ackermann
- School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dianna T Kenny
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian O'Brien
- School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim R Driscoll
- School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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