School of Arts and Creative Technologies
Yaxin Zhang
PhD by research
Thesis
Thesis
Adolescents’ Experiences of Confidence and Anxiety in Musical Performance and The Role of Instrumental Teacher Support in China.
- Supervisor: Dr Naomi Norton
My research explores Chinese adolescents’ experiences of confidence and anxiety in musical performance, with a particular focus on the role of instrumental teacher support in China. It uses a mixed-methods approach, combining adolescent surveys and interviews with instrumental teacher interviews to explore adolescents’ experiences of musical performance and how teacher support may contribute to their confidence and help them manage anxious feelings. The study aims to develop a deeper understanding of how instrumental teachers can support adolescents’ psychological well-being and positive experiences of musical performance within the Chinese context.
Biography
Biography
I am a PhD candidate in music education and psychology at the University of York, currently in my writing-up year, supervised by Dr Naomi Norton. My research interests focus on adolescents’ experiences of performance confidence and anxiety, particularly the role of instrumental teacher support in fostering confidence and helping adolescents manage anxious feelings.
I got an undergraduate degree in music education at Wuhan Conservatory of Music in 2019 and a postgraduate degree in music at the University of Queensland in 2022. I started to pursue a PhD position with Naomi in 2023 at the University of York. I also get a new role as a GTA of MA music education core skills groups and academic writing support.
Research
Research Interests
Musicians' Health and Well-being, Music Education, Music Psychology
Publications
Publications
Zhang, Y., & Norton, N. (2026). Chinese adolescents' experiences of performance confidence and anxiety and the role of instrumental teacher support. Frontiers in Psychology, 17, 1881466. https://doi.org/10.
