Showing papers by "Dianna T. Kenny published in 2011"

The Psychology of Music Performance Anxiety

Abstract: 1. Phenomenology of Music Performance Anxiety 2. Conceptual framework 3. The Anxiety Disorders 4. Defining Music Performance Anxiety 5. Epidemiology of Music Performance Anxiety 6. Theoretical Contributions to Understanding Music Performance Anxiety 7. Treatment 8. Severe Music Performance Anxiety: Phenomenology and Theorizing 9. Common Themes in the lives of performing musicians 10. Prevention and Pedagogy

Ergonomic training reduces musculoskeletal disorders among office workers: results from the 6-month follow-up

Abstract: Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are commonly reported among computer users. This study explored whether these disorders can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education. Methods: A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in which 3 units were randomised for intervention and received training, and 3 units were given a leaflet. The effect of intervention on workstation habits, musculoskeletal disorders, days and episodes of sick leave, and psychological well-being were assessed. Results: A significant improvement in workstation habits was found, and the differences remained significant at the follow-up time point for keyboard, mouse, chair, and desk use. The largest reduction in the percentage of musculoskeletal disorders was in the neck region (-42.2%, 95% CI -60.0 to -24.4). After adjusting for baseline values, significant differences were found at the follow-up time point in the neck, right shoulder, right and left upper limbs, lower back, and right and left lower limbs. No significant differences were found for the days and episodes of sick leave or the psychological well-being among workers after the intervention. Conclusion: Consistent reductions were observed for all musculoskeletal disorders at the follow-up time point, although the difference was not statistically significant for the upper back. The improvements in the musculoskeletal disorders did not translate into fewer days lost from work or improved psychological well-being.

Incidence of injury and attitudes to injury management in skilled flute players

Abstract: Objective :T he�A ute is a highly popular instrument, yet little is known about the potential injury association with playing this instrument. Participants :T wenty�A autists from a major music training institution volunteered to participate in this project, and had played the�A ute for a minimum of ten years. Methods: A speci� cally designed musicians' health questionnaire was used to determine injury rates in a group of skilled collegiate�A ute players majoring in music to examine self-reported perceptions of performance-related musculoskeletal disorder causation and approaches to managing these conditions. Results: All except one player reported suffering from a performance-related musculoskeletal disorder, with pain present for longer than 3 months in two thirds of this group. The most common approach by the�A autists was to take Alexander lessons rather than seeking health professional advice. Most attributed their symptoms to long hours of practice, poor posture and the presence of performance anxiety. Conclusions: Flautists in this sample reported high rates of performance-related musculoskeletal disorders with the majority having been present for longer than 3 months. The approach to management often did not involve consultation with a health professional quali� ed to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions.

How can surgical training benefit from theories of skilled motor development, musical skill acquisition and performance psychology?

Abstract: • Trainee surgeons must acquire expert status in the context of reduced hours, reduced operating room time and the need to learn complex skills involving screen-mediated techniques, computers and robotics. • Ever more sophisticated surgical simulation strategies have been helpful in providing surgeons with the opportunity to practise, but not all of these strategies are widely available. • Similarities in the motor skills required in skilled musical performance and surgery suggest that models of music learning, and particularly skilled motor development, may be applicable in training surgeons. • More attention should be paid to factors associated with optimal arousal and optimal performance in surgical training — lessons learned from helping anxious musicians optimise performance and manage anxiety may also be transferable to trainee surgeons. • The ways in which the trainee surgeon moves from novice to expert need to be better understood so that this process can be expedited using current knowledge in other disciplines requiring the performance of complex fine motor tasks with MJA 2011; 194: 463–465 high cognitive load under pressure.

Linearity in the loudness envelope of the messa di voce

Abstract: The messa di voce (MDV) is a vocal exercise used by singers, consisting of a crescendo and decrescendo on a single sustained note. In this study we analysed recorded MDVs sung by tertiary singing students to examine the extent to which MDVs have a linear crescendo and linear decrescendo. The MDVs studied were recorded over a 3-year period, as a cohort of classical singing students progressed through their tertiary education and training. Previous studies of MDV envelopes have examined the envelopes in decibels, but in the present study we use envelopes derived from a dynamic loudness model. We did not find an overall tendency for increased linearity as students mature.

Voluntary Restraint of Body Movement Potentially Reduces Overall SPL Without Reducing SPL Range in Western Contemporary Popular Singing

Abstract: Voluntary restriction of body movement is associated with the reduction of sound pressure level (SPL) peaks in western contemporary popular singing. This paper investigated whether overall SPL and SPL range are affected when singers voluntarily restrain their movement during performance. Six professional singers performed a section of a song in two performance modes: first with no constraints placed on their body behaviour and again when directed to stand still. Overall SPL and SPL range were compared for the two conditions. The calculation of percentiles revealed reductions in SPL in the no movement condition across all SPL levels for all singers. With respect to absolute range, contrary to expectation, the SPL minima were reduced by a degree equivalent to the reduction in SPL maxima in the majority of singers. To our knowledge, this phenomenon has not been noted previously, possibly because this compensatory effect disguises the overall reduction in SPL. This effect may be automatic and beyond ...