Performing in the Absence of Debilitating Anxiety: A Qualitative Analysis from the Perspective of Professional Western Classical Ensemble Musicians.

Performance-related anxiety for musicians, or Music Performance Anxiety (MPA), is often considered to be 'part of the gig'. Whilst research has been conducted to elucidate the experiences of musicians who perform with anxiety, research on the experiences of those who perform in its absence is scarce. Learning from these experiences can support the development of treatment interventions and performance-related experiential goals for musicians, especially for those who are yet to perform without experiencing impairing anxiety. The aim of this study was to examine the cognitive and schematic experiences of professional musicians who perform in the absence of debilitating MPA using qualitative interview methods. Six professional western classical ensemble musicians were recruited (three female; three male) to complete a semi-structured interview examining the cognitive and schematic features of their performance experience. A thematic analysis was completed, describing six core themes across three layers comprising early experiences, pre-performance and during-performance experiences. Participants identified that despite early career experiences of MPA, they developed confidence through repetition and the positive influence of others. They relied upon foundational technical, performance and mental skills to perform, which encompassed a strong answer to the question of 'why' when it came to performing. During performances, participants reported a deep sense of connection to the music, their peers, and the audience, externally focusing their attention beyond themselves. The results highlight the utility of interventions aligned with the experiences of those who perform in the absence of debilitating anxiety and call for continued values-driven cognitive performance preparation education for musicians.