Forum: Musical Wellness: Opportunities for String Researchers 2

Abstract

Research in musicians’ health in the last 30 years reveals that anywhere from 37 to 87 percent of both adults and students suffer pain related to the practice of their craft; nearly as often as athletes do. ASTA was one of the first professional organizations to recognize the problem. But how much do we really know about performance injuries and their prevention? Musicians, music educators, and movement and medical scientists have all investigated these issues. String researchers have been particularly active in studying the biomechanics of playing and in testing preventions and interventions, and they are uniquely qualified to contribute to understanding in these and other aspects of music wellness.