As a musician, your physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being is integral to enjoying career longevity and success. Student musicians should develop healthy procedures to maintain mental, neuromusculoskeletal, hearing, and vocal health. 

It is important for musicians to understand how choices impact health and musical performance. These resources are intended to provide an introduction to health concerns of musicians. We encourage all faculty, staff and students to seek professional advice about specific concerns for health or well-being.

If you believe you are developing a performance injury, please confer with your studio instructor and ensemble director(s). Please also take advantage of resources and services available on campus to help you.

Campus Resources

Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services (CHWS)
Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services (CHWS), is our on-campus health clinic available to all students, located on the second floor of the Wheelock Student Center.

On-Campus Physical Therapy Clinic
The School of Physical Therapy鈥檚 onsite clinic is an amazing resource to Puget Sound students, faculty, and staff. This is a pro-bono clinic run by graduate students under the supervision of expert licensed clinicians. On their website, you will find information and a referral form, which can be either self-referral, or from a healthcare provider. They also host an exercise/wellness group in the fall, which is a great way to cultivate strength and injury prevention. 

Yearly Musician Injury Prevention Screenings
The School of Music partners with the School of Physical Therapy every fall to provide Injury Prevention Screenings specific to musicians. Look out for information on this in September!
 

Students are encouraged to seek help from licensed medical professionals when appropriate, and consult with CHWS, Physical Therapists, or their private heath care providers if they need additional opinions or resources. The general health and prevention resources below do not qualify as professional medical advice.

Recommended Health & Wellness Resources

is an excellent website for resources addressing musician health, providing information on health problems seen in musicians, self-care for the musician, nutritional issues, stretches and exercises and more.
works with and for the health of performing artists through education, research, networking, and a commitment to a deep understanding of the special needs associated with the performing arts.

Hearing

: This site was created by NASM and PAMA as an in-depth resource regarding Musician鈥檚 Hearing Health. It covers facts, basic information, information on protection of hearing, and recommendations for faculty and staff in Schools of Music.

More links on Musician鈥檚 Hearing Health:

Vocal Health

This resource created by NASM and PAMA gives basic information and helpful tips for vocalists.

A guide from Baylor University鈥檚 Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences online speech pathology program which outlines the risks of vocal misuse or overuse, ways to practice better vocal hygiene, and how voice therapy can help.

More links on Vocal Health:


Musculoskeletal Health & Prevention

: An excellent description of the symptoms and pain levels associated with musculoskeletal injuries including detailed descriptions of tendon and muscle disorders, as well as nerve compression and entrapment.

More Links on Musculoskeletal Health:

  • For Pianists: Wristen, Brenda, et al. "."
  • Horvath, Janet. Playing (less) Hurt. An invaluable resource for any musician who is concerned about injuries related to playing their instrument; includes prevention, warning signs, what to do when you get hurt, and important steps in the recovery process. online. There is one copy available in the Music Office.
  • Lieberman, Julie Lyonn. "" Strings Magazine. May/June 2000. This article, specific to violinists and violists, discusses the importance of a well-fitted chin and shoulder rest for comfortable playing.
  • Rickover, Robert. . A great guide to the Alexander Technique and its application to vocalists and instrumentalists. Includes links to large quantity of different articles.
  • Rush, Michelle. . This composition gives an excellent introduction to musician injuries in string players and reviews a large quantity of books and articles for further research. There is one copy available in the Music Office.
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Psychological Health

 

Books

Below is a nonexhaustive list of books that address mental performance and may offer some coping mechanisms for musicians. All books are available through the Collins Memorial Library on campus. You can check availability .

  • Inner Game of Tennis
  • Playing Your Best When It Counts
  • The Musician鈥檚 Way
  • Performance Success: Performing Your Best Under Pressure
  • Fight Your Fear and Win 
  • Seven Skills for Performing Your Best Under Pressure鈥擜t Work, In Sports, On Stage
  •  A Soprano on Her Head