An Investigation of the Effect of Breathing Therapy on Music Students’ Flute Performance Anxiety

Abstract

This study examines the effect of breath therapy practices on reducing stage performance–related anxiety observed in flute students receiving professional music education. The research was conducted using a pretest–posttest experimental design with a control group. A total of 20 flute students studying at Marmara University and Kocaeli University participated in the study, with 10 students assigned to the experimental group and 10 to the control group. The experimental group underwent a 10-week program of breathing exercises planned and implemented by a breath therapist specialized in the field. Data were collected using the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory and a form containing participants’ individual health information, and were evaluated through statistical analyses. The findings indicated that participants with no prior experience in breath therapy exhibited high levels of performance anxiety, and that anxiety levels in the experimental group decreased significantly after the intervention. No significant change was observed in the control group. In conclusion, breath therapy emerges as an effective method for reducing anxiety related to musical performance.