The Impact of Musical Difficulty on Music Performance Anxiety

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is an anxiety disorder that impacts many musicians, no matter their skill level or age. This study will delve into how different levels, or difficulties, of high school-level music auditions, specifically those on the regional and state level, and the results of a questionnaire impact the heart rate variability of the performer and, as a result, MPA levels. In this study, measuring MPA began by taking a sample of musicians and having them complete a modified version of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Scale (K-MPAI) questionnaire (Kenny, 2023) detailing their average stress levels during a performance and as a musician in general. Following the questionnaire, the participants would be categorized based on their results of the K-MPAI using a numbered system and then take part in a “mock audition” where they were tasked with playing the regional and all-state versions of the mock auditions. The study resulted in two high p-values, which is likely due to the limitations which included issues regarding the real auditions, the HRV monitor, and the familiarity with the researcher. Future researchers could alter this through a random selection of musicians and a more reliable HRV monitor, which could very likely result in lower p-values and possible significance.