Inside the piano studio: What teachers say about performance training, perfectionism, and performance anxiety

Abstract

Music performance anxiety (MPA) is a common experience among musicians of all ages. However, young pianists have indicated receiving limited performance training or effective MPA support from their teachers. As these findings do not reflect teacher perspectives, this study was designed to provide a fuller picture of piano training. Two hundred thirty-seven piano teachers from across Canada and the United States participated in an online survey, comprising both open- and closed-ended questions, to gauge their pedagogy regarding performance training, perfectionism, and MPA. While the majority of participants reported that students have expressed MPA concerns to them, many noted that they only discuss the issue when students raise it. Virtually all teachers reported that they teach students what to do on stage and how to address performance challenges—in particular memory lapses. Most believe there is a distinction between teaching to play and teaching to perform, yet only 58% said they offer studio classes and 37% hold dress rehearsals. Participants noted a focus on excellence, not perfection, in their pedagogy, but many acknowledged that perfection is an expectation within the field. Comparisons with previous findings on piano students and implications for educators are discussed.