PE for Musicians

Nabeel Zuhdi is pursuing the world's first doctoral degree in Performing Arts Health at the University of North Texas. His prior research includes the prevalent locations of musculoskeletal pain in musicians and his current work is on streamlining the terminology regarding Musician Performance Anxiety. In addition to his research, Mr. Nabeel works and performs as a classical guitarist and educator. For more information on Mr. Nabeel and topics covered in our conversation, please visit www.musicianhealthresource.com

Dr. Jeff Russell is the head of the Science and Health in Artistic Performance (SHAPe) Clinic at Ohio University and has recently presented a study on the musculoskeletal effects of ligament laxity and generalized joint hypermobility in the musician. For more information on Joint Laxity and Dr. Russell, please visit our website at www.musicianhealthresource.com

This week I sat down with Karen Elaine, a talented violist with a diverse field of interests and accomplishments. From kickboxing and SCUBA diving to music world tours and concert soloist performances, Karen exudes knowledge and enthusiasm for all of her passions equally and it's no surprise she has met with success in each of her fields. She spoke with me about daily rituals, intentions, time management and cross-training with her instrument as well as her history as a black woman growing up with a love classical music and her most recent endeavor combining the dance and partnering of Acro Yoga with her music performance. You can find more at peformusicians.com or on Karen Elaine's website, https://yogamusic.me/

This week I sat down with Breana Gilcher, an oboist living and working in Los Angeles who has a very personal story of injury and recovery. She shares with us ways in which she balances her physical and mental health in relation to a very demanding and potentially stressful career. Find show notes on Breana at peformusicians.com and enjoy!

Dr. Heidi Leathwood holds a DMA from the University of Southern California and a Teacher Training Certificate from the Alexander Technique Institute - Los Angeles. She is currently on faculty at the University of Denver where she teaches both Piano and Alexander Technique courses in addition to a busy performance career and outside studio. Find out more about Dr. Leathwood on her website - http://heidibrendeleathwood.com/ And more on our website - peformusicians.com

This week I've been out with acute back pain and not on top of reading, writing, researching or editing. I wanted to openly share with everyone the "why" of PE for Musicians since we hear a lot of "what" in the world today. We know "what" this podcast is and it will continue to deliver insight into better training techniques and information from experts in the fields of music, athletics, psychology and medicine. But the "why" is always for less pain and more joy!

This week's podcast guest is Adrienne Osborn who currently runs Performance High Vocal Coaching in Denver, Colorado. Adrienne also keeps a busy performance schedule singing with several bands around the greater Denver area in addition to her own writing and performance project. She has a unique teaching philosophy built from her experiences as a nationally ranked water skier in coping with stage fright and has been sought out online and in person for her guidance and openness in overcoming tension and fear. Connect with Adrienne's music at: http://adrienneo.com/ Connect with Adrienne's teaching at: http://performancehigh.net/

This week I sat down with Dr. Jonathan Sum, a Physical Therapist who currently works at the University of Southern California in their division of musician rehabilitation. In addition to his vast knowledge of Sports Medicine and work with Major League players, Dr. Sum enjoys playing the guitar in his free time which has prompted his interest into why musicians don't adhere to similar training routines as top athletes even though our bodies are being asked to perform athletic feats. Reach Dr. Sum at sum.usc.edu or at http://pt.usc.edu/sum/

This week I sat down with Jennie Morton, an Osteopath specializing in the treatment of performing artists who is currently the Wellness instructor at the prestigious Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles. She is the author of the book, "The Authentic Performer: Wearing a Mask and the Effect on Health" and is on the Board of Directors at the Performing Arts Medicine Association. She holds BS in Osteopathy an MS in Psychology and talked with me about the overlap in physical and mental tension as well as the importance of communicating and teaching these new discoveries to the next generation of musicians. You can find out more about Jennie on her website, www.healthyperformers.com.

This week I sat down with Liz Huston, a harpist and concert producer specializing in new music who recently moved from Philadelphia to the Los Angeles area and maintains a busy bi-coastal schedule. She shared with me about the physical trials of moving the harp, an instrument where injury is not uncommon, and her excitement and enthusiasm for producing and playing contemporary compositions.

This week I sat down with Lauren Wasynczuk, a saxophonist, conductor and music educator. Lauren currently holds the position of Director of Ensembles with The Young Musician’s foundation which works with over 1,400 students in the greater Los Angeles area. For information found in the podcast, visit peformusicians.com

This week I sat down with Ingrid Chun, a second violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, violin teacher and chamber music coach at Azusa Pacific University and one of the most joyful players (or persons) I've ever met. We chatted about what the rehearsal and performance schedule for a world-class symphony is like and how to keep your brain and body fit in the midst of a demanding job. Ingrid also offered insight into her pre and post concert routine for both physical and musical maintenance and some tips on career longevity.

This week I sat down with Kristen Klehr, percussionist at Scrap Arts Music, concert and event producer at BEAR, running apparel ambassador for RYU, fitness instructor at Equinox and all around entrepreneur. We chatted about the physical tolls of doing it all, how to balance work and health through fitness and the power of saying yes to opportunity, even when it comes through injury.

This week I sat down with Michelle Lane, a owner of the gym, Summit Fitness in Covina, California and NASM certified personal trainer specializing in corrective exercise and women’s fitness. Together we discuss the problem of the chair for all musicians and the benefit of cross-training and movement. I’d also like to add that this weeks podcast was recorded in the back of Michelle’s gym so please excuse the background noise. It also held some technical difficulties in sound and balance so I hope you’ll forgive the rough final mix and still find the information beneficial. Our bodies should never limit our art so learn how to train like an athlete, to play like a musician.

This week I interviewed Jenni Asher, a professional violinist and massage therapist specializing in the field of Myofascial Release. We discuss the problems of pain as a musician, the tolls playing has on our muscles and effective ways to ease them.