Exploring and comparing differences in performance anxiety and coping strategies between contesting and non-contesting brass band players

The aim of the study was to explore and compare the differences in performance anxiety and coping strategies between contesting and non-contesting brass band players. The research followed a mixed method approach which included questionnaire, administration of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory (K-MPAI) (Kenny, [revised] 2009) and interviews.

Results suggested that the contesting brass band players experienced a heightened level of anxiety when comparing them with their non-contesting counterparts and were more likely to experience physical symptoms in relation to performance anxiety. Additionally, they focused on self-scrutiny and scrutiny from others. The most effective coping strategies for alleviating performance anxiety were ‘preparation and practice’ and having a positive mental attitude (PMA); whereas alcohol and beta-blockers were the least effective.

The researcher recommends that future research should consider: in-depth research into performance anxiety discussions within the brass band world to further understand why they are so uncommon, research that centres on how performance anxiety affects performers on the contest day, and immediately afterwards, research that focuses on the attitudes towards females in brass banding; and studies i.e. longitudinal, cross-sectional or case studies, that focus on the international brass banding community in relation to performance anxiety as the current study focused on UK brass band players only.