[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1447773892' post='2910221']
Leeroy...
To best answer one would have to know the aims and objectives of the project. Is this from a medical point of view, or musical, or other..? For performance, for example, I'd be much more concerned with complacency, as I have always found that some eager anticipation, including nervosity, helps stimulate many creative instincts, and hone one's appreciation of the moment and event. Different for different people, it's true, and we've all known the player frozen like a rabbit in headlights once on stage. I'd suggest that these same folks would be just as unsettled giving a speech, or even in a crowded environment, not related with music. It's more a character thing; some folks are at ease, others less so. Too debonair is not better, I find, for getting the best performance. Too cool can 'kill' the ambience.
I would say that rehearsal is more stressful in general, the concentration is different, and one is often in uncharted territory with colleagues perhaps equally ill at ease. No big deal; it's part of the game, but once on stage, all that should be gone; everyone should know their role.
As a drummer, the name of the game is relaxation, and, when playing, I'm too busy concentrating on listening to the others and trying to breath properly to worry about anything at all. The old adage, paraphrased by 'Stuff happens', is all too true, but one just takes it as it comes. Dropped a stick..? I've others at hand. A cymbal stand has collapsed..? Play on another. The snare mic has slipped..? Find a spot in the beat to edge it back, or ignore it and adjust the strokes to compensate. No bass drum pedal..? Do the best on the low tom and smile. I'm not alone in this...
Hope this helps (but it's doubtful... )
[/quote]
Dad3353...
My dissertation is focussed on instrument related MPA for popular musicians- Firstly, do the different instruments suffer from different symptoms and secondly- depending on the instrument you choose are you more likely to suffer from severe MPA (I.e. as a guitarist, are you generally more likely to suffer from anxiety in everyday life more than say a drummer), so it ties in personality types as well as simple physical symptoms.
You're absolutely bang on with what you've written here. First of all, it has been proven that some anxiety/nerves are beneficial for any performance/public orientated task and yes, it is considered that people with performance anxiety suffer also with general anxiety, MPA is merely another form of general anxiety. Again, you have probably seen it, or experienced a below par performance for whatever reason- too tired/burnt out or simply unenthusiastic about the project- thats because of having too little anxiety/nerves/adrenaline. Crazy really but the saying "game face" is more than just a saying, its about channeling this energy positively.
Also just want to say, thanks to you all for the overwhelming response! Its been amazing really! I really appreciate it and will share the results when I've finished.
Ive had to take the survey down due to it!
Thanks again though!