Evolution of music performance anxiety and quality of performance during virtual reality exposure training

摘要

Virtual reality exposure is increasingly used as a method of treatment for anxiety disorders. This exploratory study examines a virtual reality exposure training (VRET) conceived for the treatment of music performance anxiety (MPA). The aim is to obtain first-level knowledge in the music field concerning VRET. This article analyzes how MPA, concentration and quality of performance evolve during VRET. Nine music students participated in six 1-h sessions of VRET spread out over 3 weeks. They were exposed to four different virtual environments representing typical audiences for musicians. The findings indicate a significant decrease in MPA between sessions. They also indicate a significant increase in performance quality within sessions and a positive correlation between absorption ability and level of anxiety at the beginning of the VRET. Further studies must be conducted to evaluate the generalizability potential of these results to real performance situations.