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Developing performance confidence : a holistic training strategies program for managing practice and performance in music

The thesis aims to address a perceived gap in the training and development of
music performers, namely the lack of a practical strategies framework for
developing performance confidence, especially self-efficacy (situational selfconfidence)
in music performance. To this end, a Training Program with Training
Manual was designed to assist musicians in the management of practice and
performance, using a framework of six integrative mental and physical strategies
taken from Sport Performance and applied to Music Performance. Five musicians
trialed the Training Program for five weeks. Five individual case studies were
constructed to explore and interpret the musicians' practice and performance
experiences before and after using the Training Program / Manual.
Analyses of in-depth interviews and a follow-up questionnaire revealed that the
Training Program had produced positive changes in mental and physical
behaviour, along with increased concentration ability and coping skills in stressful
situations, resulting in a sense of control in performance. A cross-case analysis
revealed that the shared issues of significance for the musicians were
Concentration, Stress and Lifestyle Practices, and Sense of Control in practice and
performance.
This qualitative study demonstrates that a training program addressing the
lifestyle context of music performance is beneficial for practice and the lead-up to
performance. Confidence in playing ability develops, when practice and
performance are perceived to be effectively self-managed and practice becomes a
positive experience. The findings of this study suggest the need for a holistic
approach to music performance, based on awareness of the mind-body
connections involved in performance.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219128
Date January 2002
CreatorsLiertz, Carmel, n/a
PublisherUniversity of Canberra. Communication & Education
Source SetsAustraliasian Digital Theses Program
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Rights), Copyright Carmel Liertz

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