Claudia Spahn 1 , Bernhard Richter 1

1 University of Music and University Clinic Freiburg, Institute for Musicians Medicine, Freiburg

Human voice is a highly differentiated instrument for the expression of emotions. Voice professionals at the same time have to control emotional stressors which may have a negative effect on the voice production. The typical and specific stress situation in vocally exposed professions is the public presentation or the public appearance. Corroborating with the differentiation between eustress and distress, stage fright can either augment or diminish achievement. As a matter of principle, stage fright goes together with public appearances and can increase tension and concentration in a positive manner. If those aspects of stage fright which diminish achievement predominate, the result is performance anxiety. In order to regulate the various psycho-physiological phenomena associated with stage fright, various approaches are possible which should be utilized with the help of psychotherapeutic guidance. Procedures such as autogenic training and progressive muscle relaxation are among those frequently used for coping with stress; they are easy to learn and can be effectively employed. When using these and other procedures in preparation for performance, the point in time and the manner in which the exercises are conducted should be precisely planned.