Page 92 - How to Shine on Stage

Thus, mixed emotions are associated with musical performance;
both positive and negative affects are present (Larsen et al., 2001), and
multiple emotions of the same or opposite valence may be present (Lars-
en & McGraw, 2014). Mixed emotional experiences are generally aver-
sive until a suitable manner is found to cope with discomfort (Williams
& Aaker, 2002). Some theories emphasize the importance of the ver-
bal naming of the emotional states as the first step of emotion regulation
(Kaleńska-Rodzaj, 2018; 2019). In fact, being able to recognize all the
90 emotions that arise when performing is the first step to successful emo-
tion regulation. In practice, however, it can be observed that the expe-
rience of pre- performance excitement is reduced to experiencing stage
fright/ performance anxiety, while all other emotional dimensions are
How to Shine on Stage to all of the emotional dimensions associated with performance allows
mostly overlooked (Kaleńska-Rodzaj, 2018; 2019). Bringing awareness
musicians to redirect their attention towards more positive performance
outcomes (Folkman & Moskowitz, 2000; Tugade & Fredrickson, 2004).
Few research studies have underlined this important phenomenon of
mixed pre- performance emotions (Gabrielsson, 2001; Gabrielsson &
Lindström Wik, 2003; Lamont, 2012). The majority of research has fo-
cused on emotional states of high intensity and specific valence, such as
musical performance anxiety (hereafter MPA) (Kenny, 2011). With re-
gard to the relation of mixed emotions to performance quality and the
performer’s well-being, it has been found that the most frequent emo-
tions arising before the performance are hope, sadness, and anxiety.
Based on their combinations, six pre- performance emotional profiles
were created: high MPA, moderate MPA, calmness, impatience with
mixed emotions, joy with dizziness in the background, and flow (Kaleńs-
ka-Rodzaj, 2018).

2.2.3.2 Emotion Regulation in Musical Performance
Delivery
Emotion regulation refers to a process by which individuals in-
fluence what emotions they experience, when they experience
them and how they experience and express them. Emotion re-
gulation can be automatic or controlled, conscious or unconsci-
ous, and can affect one or more points in the process of emotion
formation. [Gross, 1998, p. 275]

The concept of emotion regulation embraces both positive and neg-
ative sensations, along with how they can be strengthened, used, and
controlled.