In our last post, we explored how the mere presence of an audience can heighten music performance anxiety (Fancourt et al., 2015). But does the experience of anxiety change depending on whether a musician is performing solo or as part of an ensemble? Research suggests that the psychological impact of performance setting plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s response to performance pressure.
The Unique Pressure of Solo Performance
Performing alone often brings an acute sense of vulnerability. Without the presence of fellow musicians to share responsibility, soloists bear the full weight of audience expectations. This can heighten self-focused attention, making performers more aware of their mistakes and more susceptible to negative self-evaluation. Studies indicate that musicians tend to experience greater physiological and psychological symptoms of anxiety when performing solo compared to ensemble settings (Fancourt et al., 2015).
A key factor contributing to solo performance anxiety is the absence of social support. In an ensemble, musicians can rely on their peers for emotional reinforcement, nonverbal communication, and musical synchronization, all of which can help regulate nerves. Soloists, by contrast, must self-regulate in real time, making performance anxiety feel more pronounced (Biasutti & Concina, 2014).
The Buffering Effect of Group Performance
Interestingly, playing in a group does not eliminate performance anxiety, but it can mitigate its intensity. When musicians perform in an ensemble, they often experience a shared responsibility, which helps diffuse individual pressure. Research shows that musicians report feeling less exposed when performing in a group, as attention is distributed across multiple performers rather than being solely focused on one individual (Fancourt et al., 2015).
Moreover, ensemble performance fosters a sense of social cohesion and collective energy, which can counterbalance anxiety. The phenomenon of socio-musical entrainment—where musicians synchronize their playing and physiological responses—has been linked to reduced stress levels and increased confidence in performance situations (Davidson & Good, 2002). This shared experience helps musicians stay grounded and connected, reducing the likelihood of debilitating performance anxiety.
When Group Performance Increases Anxiety
However, not all musicians find ensemble playing to be a safety net. For some, group performance presents its own challenges, such as fear of letting others down, difficulty staying in sync under pressure, or conflicts in musical interpretation. In high-stakes environments, ensemble settings can introduce additional stressors, such as peer evaluation and hierarchical dynamics within the group (Papageorgi et al., 2011).
In professional settings, group performances often require musicians to conform to external pressures, including the expectations of conductors, collaborators, and critics. The perceived need to maintain cohesion and precision in ensemble settings can sometimes lead to a different kind of anxiety—one centered on social comparison and fear of not meeting collective standards (Wilson & Roland, 2002).
Finding Balance: Strategies for Managing Anxiety in Different Settings
Whether performing solo or in a group, understanding the distinct triggers of performance anxiety can help musicians develop effective coping strategies. Some approaches that have proven useful include:
Solo Performers: Developing self-regulation techniques such as mental rehearsal, mindfulness, and cognitive reframing to manage heightened self-awareness and pressure.
Ensemble Musicians: Cultivating strong communication skills, fostering positive group dynamics, and utilizing pre-performance rituals to reinforce confidence and cohesion.
As we move forward, our next post will explore how personality traits influence an individual’s experience of music performance anxiety. Are certain musicians more predisposed to anxiety than others? Stay tuned as we dive into the psychological factors that shape performance confidence.
References
Biasutti, M., & Concina, E. (2014). The role of coping strategy and experience in predicting music performance anxiety. Musicae Scientiae, 18(2), 189-202.
Davidson, J. W., & Good, J. M. (2002). Social and musical co-ordination between members of a string quartet: An exploratory study. Psychology of Music, 30(2), 186-201.
Fancourt, D., Williamon, A., & Carvalho, L. A. (2015). The psychoneuroimmunology of music: Modulation of psychological state and immune response through participatory music making. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 76.
Papageorgi, I., Hallam, S., & Welch, G. F. (2011). Perceived performance anxiety in advanced musicians: A survey study. Psychology of Music, 39(1), 75-94.
Wilson, G., & Roland, D. (2002). Performance anxiety. In R. Parncutt & G. E. McPherson (Eds.), The Science and Psychology of Music Performance (pp. 47-61). Oxford University Press.
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