The effect of virtual training on music performance anxiety

This study investigated the effects of virtual reality training on music performance anxiety. Seventeen music students were randomly assigned to a control group (n=8) or a virtual training group (n=9). Participants were asked to play a musical piece by memory in two recitals at three weeks interval. The anxiety was then measured with the Personal Report of Confidence as a Performer (PRCP), the S-anxiety scale of the StateTrait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y), the Subjective Units of Distress scale (SUDS), and by pulse rate. The virtual training consisted of six one-hour long sessions of virtual exposure. Results indicate a significant decrease in performance anxiety (PRCP) for women in the treatment group and a significant decrease of State Anxiety (S-anxiety scale) for musicians with high levels of trait anxiety (T-anxiety scale) in the treatment group.