Session Proposals

Dr. Melissa Baughman is an Associate Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of Oklahoma, where she teaches courses in choral methods, conducting, and vocal pedagogy. She founded and facilitates the Breathe OUt student wellness initiative for the School of Music. Melissa has presented at various national and international conferences and has published research in several prestigious journals. As a choral conductor, she is active as a clinician and adjudicator nationwide. An acclaimed soprano, she frequently performs solos for oratorios and sings with a professional chamber choir, Vox Nova. Dr. Baughman holds a PhD and MM from the University of Missouri and a ME and BME from Bowling Green State University.

Session Description: Anxiety is a common challenge among adolescent students, particularly in performance-based settings like choral ensembles. The middle and high school years are marked by significant developmental changes that can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt, performance anxiety, and social pressures. In this session, I will explore how these developmental stages intersect with the experience of anxiety in musical ensembles and provide music educators with evidence-based strategies to support their students. By understanding the unique cognitive, emotional, and social challenges faced by adolescents, educators can foster a more supportive and inclusive environment that helps students thrive both personally and musically.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand how adolescent developmental stages (cognitive, emotional, social) contribute to anxiety in middle and high school students.
2. Explore the impact of performance anxiety, peer relationships, and self-esteem on music students’ experiences in ensemble settings.
3. Learn research-based strategies for reducing anxiety, including mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral approaches.
4. Discuss how to create a positive ensemble culture that promotes emotional well-being, social connection, and collective success.
5. Develop skills for communicating with anxious students and cultivating resilience in the ensemble environment.

Research Overview: Adolescence is a critical period of development characterized by changes in brain function, emotional regulation, and social identity. Research shows that during this time, students are highly sensitive to peer judgment and performance-related stress, which can lead to heightened anxiety (Steinberg, 2014). Middle and high school students often experience a "storm and stress" phase as they navigate self-esteem challenges and social dynamics, making them particularly vulnerable to anxiety in performance contexts (Larson & Richards, 1994). Moreover, adolescents' prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and self-regulation, is still developing, which can impact their ability to manage stress in high-pressure environments like music ensembles (Casey, Jones, & Hare, 2008).

Session Format: This interactive session will include:
1. Presentation of key research on adolescent development and anxiety.
2. Group discussion on how developmental factors influence music students’ emotional responses and behavior in rehearsals and performances.
3. Hands-on demonstration of techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and visualization to manage anxiety.
4. Collaborative exploration of ensemble-building activities that foster emotional resilience and a supportive peer environment.
5. Q&A and discussion on how these strategies can be implemented in diverse music education settings.

• Choral - Middle School
• Choral - Secondary