Health, Resources

Tinnitus: When There’s Humming in Your Head and It Won’t Go Away

October 1, 2014

When Robert Plant sang “Your head is humming and it won’t go, in case you don’t know,” he could have been singing about tinnitus, a common problem, that is even more prevalent among musicians. About 50 million people in the US suffer from tinnitus, but it is estimated that less than one-third seek treatment. According […]

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Focal Dystonia in Musicians

September 2, 2014

By: Jill Gambaro It can start during or after a performance, or in the middle of the night, seemingly out of the blue. Your finger curls down into your palm, and won’t straighten out again. Your neck remains twisted sideways even after you put down your violin. Your lip trembles when you try to play […]

Keep It Clean: Don’t Risk Disease by Not Cleaning Your Wind Instrument

August 1, 2014

Routine and thorough cleaning of your wind instrument isn’t just a matter of aesthetics, it could be a matter of life or death. According to an article published in the journal General Dentistry many woodwind and brass instruments are heavily contaminated with bacteria and fungi. Every time an infected instrument is played, contaminants enter the […]

End the Pain and Get Back to Playing

July 23, 2014

The second most common reason for doctor visits is back pain. In fact, about 65 million Americans suffer from back pain. Whether you play drums, guitar, violin, or trombone, you are at risk of developing back pain. As a musician, it can have a severe detrimental effect on your livelihood.  Common causes of back pain […]

Musicians Deserve Whiter Teeth

June 15, 2014

Being a performer usually involves dressing the part, whether it is casual, all black in the pit or a tux or black dress for a society gig. A very important part of your appearance is your smile. As you get older, your teeth get yellower. If you are interested in changing the shade of your […]

Musicians and Chiropractic Care: Perfect Harmony

April 12, 2014

“As a clarinet player, my jaw aches, clicks, and sometimes locks up from playing regularly. I have been getting chiropractic care for the past two years and have noticed a decrease in achiness, clicking. Also, my posture is better while playing, and that helps keep my body relaxed as I play,” says Jessica Weimer, band […]

Pilates Alleviates Common Injuries Suffered by Musicians 

March 12, 2014

A career as a classical musician comes with many rewards, but optimum physical health is generally not one of them. For example, surveys of symphony members found between 64% and 76% suffer from complaints of the arms, neck, and/or shoulders. Repetitive motions, awkward positions, and excessive force, can all lead to pain and injury, which […]

Overuse: How to Avoid Injury

March 12, 2014

Most musicians will experience discomfort while playing at some time during their careers. One of the most common causes of pain among musicians is an overuse injury. These often affect the wrists and arms or neck and shoulders. Overuse injury is defined as a breakdown of tissues (muscles, tendons, or ligaments) that have been stressed […]

The Alexander Technique Can Boost Your Health and Your Career

March 12, 2014

The Alexander Technique addresses inefficient habits of movement and patterns of accumulated tension that interfere with our innate ability to move easily. But as Michael J. Gelb says in Body Learning, his book on the subject, the technique itself is difficult to define because it involves a new experience. It’s like “trying to explain music […]

Hearing Aid Q&A for Musicians

March 12, 2014

Most musicians know that they should protect their hearing, but what can they do if some damage has already been done? Omaha, Nebraska, audiologists Kendall Simmons and Joel Edwards, who both work with the national hearing healthcare provider network EarQ, answer some questions. I play violin in the orchestra, and when the brass plays it […]