Graduate Program
College Student Affairs
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2011
Thesis Director
Richard Roberts
Thesis Committee Member
Charles Eberly
Thesis Committee Member
Unknown
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.
Recommended Citation
Plapp, Elizabeth, "Millennial music students: Perceptions of general stress, performance stress, physical health, and mental health" (2011). Masters Theses. 789.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/789
