Summary and References Last updated: 29 February 2024 Key action points Here are the key actions points for teaching healthy practice: Warm up and cool down with your student at each lesson Introduce new pieces with enough time for your student to build up to the demands without injuring themselves Encourage healthy eating and keeping hydrated Encourage students to plan regular breaks and time for physical and relaxation exercise as part of their practice as a musician Teach mental practice Encourage them to seek healthcare support if needed References and resources Ackermann B, Kenny D, O’Brien I, Driscoll T (2014): Sound Practice – Improving Occupational Health and Safety for Professional Orchestral Musicians in Australia, Frontiers in Psychology Aruajo L et al (2020): Fit to Perform: A Profile of Higher Education Music Students’ Physical Fitness, Frontiers in Psychology Quarrier N F (1993): Performing Arts Medicine: The Musical Athlete, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Steinmetz A, Scheffer I, Esmer E, Delank K S, Peroz I (2015): Frequency, Severity and Predictors of playing-related Musculoskeletal Pain in Professional Orchestral Musicians in Germany, Clinical Rheumatology Winnicott D W (1960): The Theory of the Parent-Infant Relationship. International Journal of Psycho-Analysis Yerkes R, Dodson J (1908): The Relation of Strength of Stimulus to Rapidity of Habit-formation, Journal of Comparative Neurology and Psychology BAPAM Factsheets referenced in this guidance: Performance Health: A Guide for Instrumentalists Fit to Sing: Vocal Health Hearing Health Infographic The Healthy Pianist Psychological Self-Care NHS Information about Mindfulness