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

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