Music-based stress management for college music students: research protocol

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to outline a research protocol to determine the effectiveness of engaging with a YouTube channel in reducing the perceived stress of college music students. Due to the demanding nature of their degree, music students are at risk for depression, anxiety and burnout. The channel will offer accessible, and research based guided music experiences in order to mitigate academic stress while offering students the opportunity to reflect and understand their emotional responses to stress. This mixed method study will be evaluated by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing 14 item scale (WEMWBS). As this is a research protocol no data is presently recorded. Once concluded, this research offers a way to assess the potential of online music experiences to supporting the mental health and well-being of college music students. Key Words: Student Stress, Self-care practices, Music majors, Depression, Anxiety, Learning burnout, Mental well-being, Music Based Experiences, Mindfulness.