Many musicians experience pain and injury as a result of long hours of playing. Although significant research has addressed repetitive strain injuries, most of the studies pertain to athletics and computers. Julie Lyonn Lieberman has written a book specifically for musicians.
You Are Your Instrument (c1991, Huiksi Music, POB 495, NY 10024) is a source guide that compiles concise information on many aspects of musicians' injuries. Lieberman provides basic understanding of the physiological aspects, plus psychological and environmental factors, lists preventative and therapeutic techniques, and describes each resource, ranging from modern medical techniques to far-Eastern practices. By offering such an all-encom- passing list, Lieberman recognizes that a technique must be suitable to the individual in order to be effective.
Lieberman outlines exercises and techniques that she has found to be effective, including thoughtful anecdotes describing enlightening experiences. She includes a "muscle balance" glossary with exercises to develop key muscle groups and a sense of balanced posture.
Perhaps the most important knowledge to be gained from this book is an understanding of how many factors affect our health as musicians. It is possible to increase awareness both in and out of practice and address unhealthy habits. By developing healthy habits, musicians can look forward to long, pain-free careers.
Sue earned a BA in performance from UNH, studying with Keith Polk and Jean Rife. She lives and plays horn in the Barrington NH area.