Millennial music students: Perceptions of general stress, performance stress, physical health, and mental health

Abstract

The participants in the current study were examined utilizing qualitative research.
Focus groups were conducted to examine the experience of music majors in relation to
general stress, performance stress, physical health, mental health, and well-being
strategies.
Results found participants perceived stress as ambient due to excessive non-credit
course, studio and private practice loads, expectations for participation outside of
coursework, practicing toward an ill-defined concept of 'success', and poor time
management skills. Participants discussed a continuum of stress from performance before
private instructor and peers (more stressful) to a general audience (less stressful).
Participants expressed a moderate amount of physical health concerns, mostly about the
impact of physical health on practice time. Data related to mental health was limited and
most participants expressed more frustration over time commitments than identified
mental health issues. Participants were unable to articulate well-being coping strategies
they practice.
Recommendations for Student Affairs professionals were to increase awareness of
stressors facing music students, helping students set reachable goals, and focusing on
providing music students with well-being strategies.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Richard Roberts (Supervisor)