15. Theoretical and Practical Challenges in Dealing with Music Performance Anxiety

Of all the psychological problems faced by musicians, music performance anxiety (MPA) is the most prevalent at all levels. MPA emerges at early ages with a fear of performing in front of others that can persist throughout life; even some elite musicians regularly cope with it. In this chapter, we discuss terminology, contemporary models, and contributions to the understanding of MPA offered by studies in the Western Balkans. MPA is a complex, multifaceted issue that contains several aspects and challenges. We address prevention and intervention approaches, reconsidering MPA as pre-performance excitement that can contribute to optimal flow states. Developmental and educational perspectives on coping with pre-performance sensations (bodily, cognitive, and emotional) are highlighted. The importance of a continuous process in building psychological skills for optimal music performance as a regular part of the music education curriculum is emphasised.