Musicians and Injuries

by Lawrence Lougheed

"Instrumental musicians are a special risk group for repetitive motion injuries. Sizable percentages of them develop physical problems related to playing their instruments; and if they are also computer users, their risks are compounded and complicated."

Moving equipment, such as keyboards can contriute to the problem, especially if you don't move the equipment properly. Carry the stuff as little as possible - put it on a cart with wheels. It will save a lot of wear and tear on your body. Playing keyboards with different actions (such as weighted and non-weighted) can also contribute, although the most important thing is to play the keys lightly, hold the keys down as little as possible (using the hold pedal) and limit the amount of playing you do.

If you experience pain when you play, your body is warning you that something is very. very wrong. Musicians have been trained to ignore pain for years, and are very good at it. My advice is to start educating yourself about why the pain exists, and start to modify the way you work. You may not have to change much at all, or you may have to change quite a bit.

One very positive side effect is that your music may improve!

Check out http://www.engr.unl.edu/ee/eeshop/music.html for excellent information about this important topic.

Lawrence Lougheed
CMC Artist Member #1966