Performance anxiety, commonly referred to as “stage fright” in performing arts contexts, is a distressing and disabling condition that affects performers of all ages. At least half of all performing artists, regardless of age, gender, and talent or experience level, report problems associated with performance anxiety.
Download a one-page fact sheet (PDF) on Performance Anxiety.
Focal dystonia is an abnormal movement disorder that develops when a person is attempting to perform a specific task such as playing a musical instrument. It shows in the loss of voluntary muscle control while playing an instrument. Focal dystonia can affect any group of muscles in the body including the face, lips, tongue, neck, arms or legs.
Download the Focal Dystonia (PDF) one-page fact sheet.
The day of a performance, I often feel nervous and sometimes skip lunch, only to feel hungry later. Performances are usually in the evening so I know I need to eat something beforehand. Playing extended sets, I rarely get a break. What foods can I eat and at what times to supply me with enough energy to perform well the entire time?
Download the Eating Before Exercise (PDF)
By HealthcareforArtists.org
The national health care reform law known as the Affordable Care Act, has several nicknames such as the ACA and ObamaCare. The law used Massachusetts’ landmark 2006 health care reform law as one of its key templates*. This is a three part blog post focusing on the ACA. The first two parts share important information and web links about the ACA as it pertains to individuals and families. The focus of the third part is to highlight how …
In recent years, a number of novel initiatives have emerged that stand to impact upon the way performing artists are trained and carry out their professional activities. It is now not uncommon for sports medicine physicians to weigh in on the treatment of performing artists. The contributions of sports medicine to the diagnosis and treatment of performing artists’ injuries are becoming increasingly acknowledged and valued. Furthermore, a growing number of science-based research disciplines within the performing arts (i.e. dance science, …
View Permalink ShareMusicians are catching up to the athletes in recognizing the importance of educating themselves on the broad topics of health and wellness. Until more recently, musicians were likely to ignore or deny any medical problems they were experiencing, whether psychological or physiological, playing through pain until they could no longer continue. MTNA has taken a pioneering role in embracing the vital topic of musician wellness. Meeting the need for access to wellness information, MTNA has introduced a number of significant …
View Permalink ShareFrom awareness comes action when opportunity presents itself, at least that’s what happened to me. I manage a music industry program at Loyola University New Orleans and I’m also a classically trained musician, a music producer, and half-ass jazz trumpet player so, naturally, I love musicians and music.
Maestro Jean Montes was in my office. Speaking English in the French patois of a Haitian native, Jean was telling me about the needs of the youth symphony he conducts; he also …
