Classical Guitar Resources · Musicians’ Health and Well-being
Health Resources for GuitaristsPerforming-arts medicine, focal dystonia, Alexander Technique, hearing, stage fright, and my own injury-prevention guides.
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Health Resources for Guitarists
Organizations
American Society for the Alexander Technique is a resource for the public to find a certified teacher and to access information about the Alexander Technique and its many benefits.
BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) is the UK’s medical charity for the performing arts. They are a doctor-led organization, bringing together health experts and the creative industry to support everyone in the performing arts. They have outstanding resources.
The Association for Body Mapping Education is a not-for-profit organization of musicians teaching the power of intentional movement to prevent and eliminate performance-related injuries through self-awareness, practical anatomy, and efficient and dynamic movement. Licensed Body Mapping Educators teach the art of movement.
The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education uses gentle movement and directed attention to help people learn new and more effective ways of living the life they want. You can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement.
The mission of Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) is to prevent and cure hearing loss and tinnitus through groundbreaking research and to promote hearing health.
(Help Musicians) Focuses on mental health. Excellent information and support.
Advice to help musicians to look after their mental health and wellbeing. They work with specialist organizations that provide professional mental health support.
Performing Arts Medicine Association PAMA is an organization comprised of dedicated medical professionals, artists, educators, and administrators with the common goal of improving the health care of the performing artist. The Performing Arts Medicine Association was founded in 1989. Members join from around the world.
The PAMA Learning Hub is the educational home of the Performing Arts Medicine Association — bringing together the knowledge, tools, and community to support performing artists at every stage of their career. The Learning Hub brings that expertise into a dedicated online environment — curated, credible, and centered on the health and sustainability of performing artists.
The UK resource for information abot the Alexander Technique.
Focal dystonia
Outstanding resources and help for those with focal dystonia.
Specialist in treating focal dystonia. Since 1996, Dr. Farias has focused on understanding dystonia and exploring how movement and neuroplasticity can contribute to functional recovery.
Books
Playing with Ease is a book about ergonomic technique for the guitar, as well as other instruments. David Leisner offers an introduction to the basic anatomy of movement, advice on relieving unnecessary tension, pioneering ideas about engaging large muscles, and tips for practicing and concert preparation.
Douglas Niedt’s Guides
Hearing Protection
Specialized hearing protection for musicians in noisy environments. Etymotic (meaning: true to the ear) is an engineering-driven research, development, and manufacturing company. Etymotic was founded to design research instruments that accurately detect and assess hearing loss. Etymotic's products are used by university researchers, hearing practitioners, hearing-impaired consumers, professional and amateur musicians, and others who demand superior sound quality.