• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.43-70
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study was to find out how a vocal improvisation program can improve performance anxiety of students who are majoring in music. Four students participated in the vocal improvisation program for 8 weeks, and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered prior to and after the completion of program. The following are results from this study. First, participants' anxiety score as measured by STAI-S significantly decreased 16.5 (p < .068) average. Second, a decrease in the subjects' practical anxiety level was quantitatively shown following this program the participants' anxiety score decreased on average by 25.5 (p < .068). Third, the subjects reported a positive musical experience as an outcome of this study. The results of the research as described above support priority researches that the music therapy program influences to decrease musical performance anxiety. The vocal improvisation program used in this study proved effective for decreasing general anxiety and releasing musical performance anxiety. This study indicates future uses of music therapy and music psychotherapy for college students who experience musical performance anxiety.