Resources for Musicians

Health and Safety for Musicians

Musicians face a number of health and safety issues, particularly in applied lessons and ensembles. Hearing concerns, vocal health, and muscle injuries are a concern for faculty and students. Awareness and education are key to preventing harmful habits or injuries.

From the NASM Handbook:

Students enrolled in music unit programs and faculty and staff with employment status in the music unit must be provided basic information about the maintenance of health and safety within the contexts of practice, performance, teaching, and listening.

NOTE: Health and safety depend in large part on the personal decisions of informed individuals. Institutions have health and wellness responsibilities, but fulfillment of these responsibilities cannot and will not ensure any specific individual's health and safety. Too many factors beyond any institution's control are involved. Individuals have a critically important role and each is personally responsible for avoiding risk and preventing injuries to themselves before, during, and after study or employment at any institution.

Helpful Resources

The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) have developed several helpful documents that can be accessed below.

Protecting Your Hearing Every Day

Protect Your Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health Every Day