A qualitative examination of music performance anxiety on the sample of horn artists

In this study, it is aimed to research how Music Performance Anxiety (MPA), which many of the artists can experience, emerges in horn players with different demographic characteristics, how it affects them and how they cope with this situation, in other words, how Music Performance Anxiety appears in general terms. The results of the research are intended to be both a source for future studies and a starting point for new studies. The horn players in the study group of the research are limited to 19 artists who have worked or are still working in State Symphony Orchestras, State Opera and Ballet Orchestras and orchestras abroad. In line with the purpose of the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants, and the data obtained from these interviews were written down as verbatim. Afterwards, the coding on the written text was done with descriptive analysis and content analysis methods over the MAXQDA qualitative research software. The main themes that emerged are the prominent features of people who have experienced MPA; Emotions, thoughts, and physical symptoms associated with MPA; The effects of MPA on the individual; External factors affecting MPA; Internal/individual factors affecting MPA and opinions about ways of coping with MPA. In line with the themes, the categories and the codes under the categories were coded by discussing with two qualitative researchers who are experts in the field of clinical psychology. As a result of this research, valuable findings that can guide students and educators who are registered in Fine Arts High Schools or music teaching departments and conservatories in most provinces in our country have been obtained. There is a deficiency in these areas in the literature, and it is thought that this research can be a starting point for future research. This study is also important in terms of raising awareness for every musician who has performance anxiety. Keywords: Music, Performance Anxiety, Music Performance Anxiety, Social Anxiety, French Horn