"Att göra ett litet fel är faktiskt inte hela världen." En tematisk analys av sex klassiska musikers perspektiv på prestationsångest

Sammanfattning: The aim of the study was to reach a greater understanding of the performance anxiety of classical musicians in connection with musical performances. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six individuals who had an ongoing or completed classical music education at university level. In a thematic analysis, seven themes were identified. Important results were that musical performance was optimal at reasonable levels of performance anxiety (MPA). The type of performance, audience, mastery and difficulty of the piece, and current mood, influenced the strength of MPA. A competitive climate and constant performance demands, increased MPA. MPA was most severe right before a performance. Increased experience of performing and increased skill, together with a more active approach to MPA and increased mental stability, reduced MPA over time. Strategies for managing MPA were mainly directed at cognitive symptoms and used before, during and after a performance. A lack of educating about mental strategies and a culture of silence about MPA in the industry was described. The results suggested that cultural factors within the classical music industry might contribute to uphold and increase MPA. An active approach and increased awareness might reduce MPA. Future research should examine contextual and cultural factors.