Musician's Health and Wellness

The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) plays a vital role in guiding our commitment to educating students, faculty, and staff about the various health and safety concerns, risks, and protocols associated with music practice, performance, teaching, and listening. This information is relevant both in a general sense and specific to their respective areas of expertise. Many of these valuable resources can be accessed through the ECSU music library. These resources encompass a wide range of topics, including but not limited to fundamental knowledge about maintaining hearing, vocal health, and musculoskeletal well-being, as well as strategies for preventing injuries. Additionally, they provide guidance on the safe usage, proper handling, and operation of potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and technology relevant to particular program offerings and experiences.

Playing and singing music can be tough on your body. Musicians, whether they're strumming guitars or belting out tunes, can face a range of health challenges. We care about your performance health, and that's why we've got resources here to help. These resources have been carefully chosen, and if you require additional materials, don't hesitate to reach out to your music librarian for assistance.

Musicians who play instruments can run into problems like repetitive motion injuries or issues from using computers alongside their instruments. This can lead to stuff like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis.

Singers, on the other hand, deal with their own set of challenges. Vocalists can face vocal fatigue, anxiety, and throat tension, which might even require them to cancel gigs or get medical help.

No matter what kind of musician you are, injuries can happen. Things like repetitive stress injuries, neuromuscular conditions, and performance anxiety are all possibilities.

Bad posture, not using proper technique, overdoing it, stress, and not getting enough rest can all lead to chronic injuries that can really mess up your music career. Other factors like what you eat, smoking, drug use, noisy environments, and getting the right training (or not) all play a part in how well you perform. So, take care of yourself out there!