Musical performance anxiety in singers

Musical performance anxiety (MPA), despite being inherent to the musicians' career, can be characterised as an anxiety disorder depending on its intensity and impact on their performance and mental health. Considering that singers use their voice as a work instrument, anxiety control is essential for achieving balance between aesthetics of singing and efficient use of the vocal production physiology, which will culminate into the quality of performance. The aim of this study is to present a literature review on MPA in singers, their teacher's self-perception and their own in the different phases of their formation. The main signs and symptoms characteristic of MPA and the possible implications to the voice during musical performance, including its treatment, were also addressed.