Date of Award

Fall 2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

School of Music

Director of Thesis

Wendy Valerio

Second Reader

Alexandria Carrico

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the stress and anxiety levels among undergraduate music majors at the University of South Carolina (USC) and identify potential stressors that might be unique or more prevalent among that specific population. To evaluate this, a questionnaire consisting of 42 questions was administered to participants. Most of the questions were carefully developed by the researcher; however, the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al, 1983) was used to examine participants' stress levels, and 13 selected questions from the Burns Anxiety Inventory (Burns, 1989) were used to examine their anxiety levels. A total of 45 participants completed the questionnaire. Of this group, 20 participants indicated interest in being part of an hour-long focus group session. Four participated, resulting in the collection of personal statements in the form of transcripts.

The questionnaire and focus group results indicated that undergraduate music majors at USC have moderate to high self-reported stress levels. The data collected on self-reported anxiety levels using questions from the Burns Anxiety Inventory (Burns, 1989) were not clinically reliable. The statements from participants about stressors they had experienced in their degree programs were split into three categories: Student Well-Being, Academic Pressure, and Structural Academic Barriers. From these findings, professional and pedagogical implications in the realm of collegiate music schools were discussed, as well as limitations to the study and ideas for future improvement.

First Page

1

Last Page

69

Rights

© 2025, Elise F Halbig

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