An Investigation of Music Teacher Candidates’ Performance Anxiety Levels in Piano Examinations

Abstract

Examination anxiety in piano education, one of the important courses in music education, can negatively affect both success in examinations and the education of students. This study aimed to determine the anxiety levels of students in the music education departments of universities in western Turkey regarding their piano examinations and their significance according to different variables. The study sample consisted of 174 female and 107 male students. The study found the students’ performance anxiety levels related to piano examinations to be moderate. There were no statistically significant differences in their anxiety levels by gender or age. Students with their own pianos were less likely to have performance concerns regarding piano examinations than those without. It was also found that the students’ year of study had a significant effect on their performance anxiety levels in piano examinations.