Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
DMA
College
College of Creative Arts
Department
School of Music
Committee Chair
Mikylah Myers
Committee Co-Chair
Edward Etzel
Committee Member
Erin Ellis
Committee Member
Lucy Mauro
Committee Member
Travis Stimeling
Abstract
Due to the profession’s competitive nature, time-consuming demands, and frequent evaluations, many musicians experience debilitating music performance anxiety, hypercritical thoughts, and/or avoidance of specific performance situations. To cope with these experiences, musicians can cultivate mindfulness. Mindfulness is purposefully and non-judgmentally paying attention to the present moment, developing awareness of emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations, and acknowledging the reality of one’s experience. “Mindfulness for Musicians: Bringing sport psychology and mindfulness-based therapies to the practice room and the concert stage” discusses how cultivating mindfulness helps musicians cope with intense emotions, such as panic or fear, and explores how cultivating mindfulness helps musicians develop psychological flexibility, embrace acceptance, quiet their inner critics, soften perfectionism, and experience a desired state of flow during practice sessions, rehearsals, and performances. “Mindfulness for Musicians” references psychology and sport psychology sources, and reinterprets mindfulness-based therapies and models for musicians, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment model. Additionally, “Mindfulness for Musicians” includes tools to help musicians cultivate mindfulness, such as yoga practices, breathing exercises, exercise regimens, and meditation practices. Lastly, “Mindfulness for Musicians” includes a “Mindfulness for Musicians” course for undergraduate or graduate music students. The course includes a syllabus, a schedule, assigned readings, and a description of assignments.
Recommended Citation
Werner, Lauretta M., "Mindfulness for Musicians: Bringing sport psychology and mindfulness-based therapies to the practice room and the concert stage" (2019). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 3810.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/3810