Recognizing Fear in the Voice Studio and Applying Strategies for Redirection

Abstract

This document is a compilation of teaching strategies to inform teachers of singing or singing teachers, and choral conductors about the negative impact fear and anxiety may have on the voice student. It catalogues the various ways fear and anxiety may manifest in a musician by detailing both external, observable responses, such as inefficient posture or visible shaking, and internal, unobservable responses, such as vasoconstriction and heart rate variability. This document examines the impact fear and anxiety have on learning, motivation, memory, and motor skills of the voice student. Furthermore, it offers various approaches to mitigate or prevent fear by exploring positive reinforcement strategies, emotional regulation skills, mindfulness, and additional techniques to act as a means of reducing fear in the voice studio.