For Educators

This text is a well-written application of the Alexander Technique for musicians at many levels.  Short chapters and sections help students digest concepts.

#prevention #breathing #postural #wholebody

Each book contains anatomical descriptions and playing exercises to help students understand the mechanics involved.

#injury, #recovery, #wholebody, #education, #breathing, #prevention

Baylor University Horn Professor, Dr. Kristy Morrell wrote this succinct and easy to read text to inspire hornists to "self help" themselves with a healthy approach to the instrument.  Although it is written for horn players, the information is universally applicable.

#recovery #prevention #education #wholebody

Janet Horvath offers a comprehensive look at what causes injury and how it can be addressed individually and within the music education culture.

#prevention #recovery #injury #education #medicine #wholebody

These two wonderful book series work well together in helping students establish good air, phrasing and range development.

Flow Studies

Rangesongs

#recovery #prevention #education #breathing

In this text, Kenny Werner discusses how music performance should be as simple and natural as drawing a breath.  This work presents ways to let  natural creative powers flow freely with minimal stress and effort.

#recovery #prevention #education #wholebody

This breathing device is beneficial for seeing the volume of air used during buzzing.  Hold it upside down while buzzing into the tube.  #breathing #recovery #prevention

Created by Tom Hooton, this is another visual aid for breathing freely and fully. View a tutorial here.

#breathing #recovery #prevention

Used in a limited capacity, embouchure visualizers are useful for students to see the placement and free buzz with structural support.

trumpet | horn | trombone/euphonium | tuba

#embouchure

A student or teacher experiencing swelling or stiffness may benefit from either a hot or cold compress.  This is a great place to start before resorting to anti-inflammatory medication and can speed the recovery process.  For more on whether to use hot or cold check out this article by the Cleveland clinic.

#wholebody #injury #recovery #prevention #embouchure

Understanding how the muscles of the face all work together to create an embouchure is important for all brass players.  This poster is a great reference for a teaching studio, especially in conjunction with this video.

#embouchure #office #education #recovery #prevention

Measuring at about 2 1/2" in diameter each and are made of a special rubber that grips at your skin, grabs at multiple layers of muscles, and rubs out adhesions and tension, providing a deep tissue massage.  This supporting video on facial massage is a great way to get started.

#embouchure  #mentalhealth, #wholebody, #fitness

Dr. Bronwen Ackerman specializes in performing arts medicine with a focus on anatomy.  She has worked with a number of brass musicians to diagnose and rehabilitate injuries.  This lecture is full of useful information about the anatomical structure of playing a brass instrument.

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The RT-MRI Horn Project seeks to improve pedagogy through science.  This video is revealing for students who may not have the understanding or self-awareness of what is happening unseen in their oral cavity.

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This series of videos by Barbara Conable and Amy Likar is appropriate for musicians at all levels.  This YouTube playlist shares samples from the full-length series available on DVD from Mountain Peak Music.

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This website is produced by  by Dr. Cody Weisbach, doctor of physical therapy and includes many free resources.  The focus is on general mobility, range of motion, and strength as support for optimal artistry.

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Created by Dr. Bronwen Ackermann, Sound Performer is a course in musician's health issues geared towards college musicians.  Video promo here.

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Students often need frequent reminders (as do we all) about the importance of whole-body health.  Included here are some starting places for sharing information. I recommend getting started with this article on the vagus nerve connecting our minds and bodies.

Fitness | Nutrition | Hydration | Mindfulness

This chair (originally designed for cellists) allows adjustment for varying heights.  Even support across the seat makes it an ideal alternative to chairs that have dips or indentations. An option you may already have is an adjustable height piano stool. #office #posture

Utilizing a different sitting surface can aid students in stepping away from a habit and trying something new.  These balls can be a lot of fun to sit and bounce on! #office #posture

Wedge seat cushions are a great way to modify chairs in your studio and out in the real world.  Brass playing greatly benefits from having a proper foundation for the spine to rest on. #office #posture

Over the day volume and sound accumulates.  Do your long-term hearing a favor and utilize these decibel-reducing earplugs whenever possible while teaching, practicing, rehearsing, etc. Most universities have an audiology department that may be able to fit you with a custom pair. #office #wholebody

The aim of this text is to "help music educators avoid common injuries that they themselves encounter, and in the process it also equips them with the tools they need to instill healthy
musicianship practices in their students." #recovery #prevention #education #wholebody

Showing up, being vulnerable, establishing a strong connection.  These are all essential elements of a good educator - Brené Brown is a well-known author/storyteller with a lot of insight into how we can continue to be present and real with students.

#recovery #education #wholebody #mentalhealth

Sit/Stand desks can be cost-prohibitive.  There are some more affordable adjustments you can make to improve your workstation ergonomics.

• Adjustable laptop stand for desktops.
• Blue Tooth Wireless Keyboard
• Computer Monitor Desk Mount

#prevention #education #wholebody #posture