Ms. McKendree is currently studying Music Performance Anxiety for Adolescent singers. Below is the abstract for her Thesis Project at CCM. Ms. McKendree has previously presented at the Kentucky Music Education Association Conference in 2014 on YouTube as an assessment tool. She plans to share her findings from her Mindful Movement Pilot Study Spring of 2019.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT: AN EXPLORATION OF STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH MUSIC PERFORMANCE ANXIETY IN THE CHORAL REHEARSAL THROUGH INTEGRATING MINDFULNESS-COGNITIVE THERAPY
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to create a choral warm-up unit that incorporates MPA awareness and coping strategies for school age musicians as a preventative measure, attempting to decrease MPA for them, both now and in the future. The researcher participated in a five-week Mindfulness-Cognitive Therapy program, yoga classes, and workshops in Alexander technique. Data for this study consisted of transcriptions from weekly journals. Contributing analysis factors for each class included a narrative of events, project memos and reflection, connected research, and Music Education implications. Following class participation and data analysis, emergent themes from the transcribed journals and research were used to construct a 10-day Mindful Movement Vocal Skills Unit. Results indicated three major conclusions. First, the emphasis on the long-term integration of Mindful Movement was essential for students to see the benefits of the exercises. Second, in order for students to apply Mindful Movement strategies to MPA management effectively, they should be exposed to performance simulations that create activating events without the safety provided by the rehearsal setting. Third, although not initially considered as such, the Mindful Movement Exercises translate easily as effective classroom management strategies. Further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of the Mindful Movement Exercises and Vocal Skills Unit with students.