Performing Arts Medicine Archived News
The Big Switch
Mary Fletcher and Dwight Deal will make their final bow next July at the 30th Symposium when they will finish their 17th year of support for PAMA. A new executive director was selected at the Snowmass Board Meeting and has been working with Mary part time to become oriented to the work of PAMA.
December 1 begins the switch when Julie Massaro becomes PAMA's Executive Director, and Mary will continue on a limited basis as a consultant until July, 2012.
Watch for the November PAMA Notes for a full introduction to Julie. You will find her an innovative marketing professional and association executive with extensive experience in business and non-profit organizations.
PAMA Featured in South America
PAMA's President-Elect John Chong will present lectures, discussions and workshops October 25-27 at the Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile. PAMA is pleased to cooperate with this regional educational project during which Chong, Medical Director of the Musicians' Clinics of Canada will address Occupational Health Problems of Musicians. It is organized by PAMA member Juan Pablo Délano at the Universidad Mayor.
For details, e-mail fernando.lira@umayor.cl and click here to view the event poster.
E-Book Easy and Affordable
Richard Norris, MD, a founding member of PAMA and former director of the National Arts Medicine Center, has just released a second edition of his 1991 book: "The Musicians Survival Manual". Originally published by the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM), the second edition is published as an e-book, allowing for the liberal use of hyperlinks, instant download, availability on multiple platforms (Kindle, Nook, smart phones, iPad, etc) and minimal environmental impact (no shipping or physical book). The book is suitable for both musicians and those who treat and care for them. For details go to the musicians survival manual website.
Congratulations to Symposium Committee
The 2011 Annual Symposium in Snowmass, Colorado was a huge success. Thanks and kudos to Co-chairs John Chong, MD and Margaret Wilson, PhD, MS.
More than 100 attendees traveled from eight countries to Colorado for the annual meeting. Evaluations rated this program as "high quality" and "very exciting".
PAMA Staffers Wed
The Manager of PAMA Member Services, Dorry Parker andthe PAMA Webmaster, David Allen weremarried in Golden, Colorado this past April. The happy couple were seenat the 2011 PAMA Symposium working and enjoying time with the PAMAattendees. Watch for emails regarding membership and other announcementsunder Dorry’s new name…Dorry Allen.
Healthy Dancer Canada
Fourth Annual Eastern Conference
September 25, 2011
Toronto, Canada
View Healthy Dancer Canada Brochure
Healthy Approaches in the Training of Dancers
Janice Plastino and Robin Kish have teamed up to organize a regional education meeting in California for August 14, 2011. It is presented by Chapman University, in cooperation with PAMA.
View Flyer
Visit Chapman University website for registration
PAMA Has Presence at ACSM Convention
The American College of Sports Medicine is meeting in Denver, Colorado, this week. Mary Fletcher is promoting PAMA and the national initiative of Athletes and the Arts to attendees at an exhibit booth. ACSM attendees readily acknowledge and understand the health care issues of artists and enthusiastically express an interest in learning more about performing arts medicine.
The opportunities for shared research and application of models of care are tremendous. ACSM and PAMA look forward to further cooperation to provide new educational offerings and to enhance the quality of care for athletes and artists alike.
PAMA Notes Correction – From April 2011
A meeting was misidentified in the April PAMA Notes. The correct information is below.
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October 5-9, 2011 – The 8th NVDMG course on performing arts medicine for family physicians and occupational physicians in Burg Feistritz, Austria.
Visit www.nvdmg.org or www.burgfeistritz.com for more information
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November 4-5, 2011 - Dresden, Germany - German Association for Musicphysiology and Musicmedicine
Symposium der DGfMM
Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber
Ballet Tickets in Snowmass
Good news: Aspen-Santa Fe Ballet will have performances in Aspen on Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23…..just when PAMA has its Annual Symposium.
If we have a group of 20 or more who attend one night, we can get $74 tickets for $44. If our group is 10 or more, the discount is 20% on the $74 or $44 ticket. Seats are being held until June 22, so we need to know by that date if you want to purchase a ticket.
Let us know:
a. Yes, a Friday ticket and will do $74 discount for $44
b. Yes, a Friday ticket and, if only 10 in our group, will take 20% off the ___ $74 ___$44 ticket.
c. No, but I could attend Saturday night if a group attends.
REPLY BY JUNE 23….. by email to Dorry Parker services@artsmed.org.
More information on the Aspen-Santa Fe Ballet
New Survey for Specialists who Treat Wind and Brass Musicians with Stress VPI
Stress VPI has been reported as occurring in 39% of a sample of student instrumentalists.
Various treatment approaches have been used however there is currently NO clear agreement on what methods are most appropriate in treating musicians with this condition.
Click here to learn more and to participate in the survey
Interested in contributing to a meta-narrative review of the Performing Arts Medicine literature?
A physician in Australia invites PAMA professionals to participate in his study, seeking your thoughts on key works, workers, themes and directions in this field.
Click here to learn more.
The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)
Kris Chesky has been invited to present at the NORA Symposium: Achieving Impact Through Research and Partnerships, July 12-13, 2011, in Cincinnati, OH. His paper, “Towards Knowledge, Competency, and Accountability in the Music Profession", has been selected because it identifies one of the critical issues in workplace safety and health.
The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) is a partnership program to stimulate innovative research and improved workplace practices. Unveiled in 1996, NORA has become a research framework for NIOSH and the nation. Following the meeting, partners work together to develop goals and objectives for addressing these needs.
For details: cdc.gov/niosh/nora
Performance Enhancement Technology
If you missed the web-streamed demonstration in New Orleans by Kathleen Riley and John Chong showing a technology that analyzes a pianist's movement during performance using two-camera HD videography with surface electromyography (sEMG) and MIDI data, you may access it by clicking this link.
Successful Regional Meetings
PAMA is encouraging and providing guidance for smaller regional meetings by leaders in the Performing Arts Medicine field in geographic centers of the U.S. and other countries. The programs allow PAM professionals to access educational opportunities at centers in their home regions. Networking of participants strengthens the resources and referral base for providers and performers.
Two recent meetings were held in New York with the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries and in Toronto with the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory.
Future meetings will be announced in the PAMA Notes, as available.
Dance Medicine Scene in Germany
A brief report from Richard Gilmore is available for download by clicking this link - Dance Medicine - Germany
Founder of German Dance Medicine: an obituary
On December 19, 2010, at the age of 96, the founder of German Dance Medicine, Dr. med. Josef Huwyler died in his home town of Zurich, Switzerland. Click for details.
Performing Arts Medicine and Sports Medicine Share Science
PAMA has increased its role in the collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine and the initiative, Athletes and the Arts. Members of ACSM receive a special registration rate for PAMA educational programs, including the annual Symposium.
PAMA has contributed to the guidelines and educational materials available on the coalition website at athletesandthearts.com
ACSM AND PAMA LEAD THE WAY
The American College of Sports Medicine and PAMA through the initiative Athletes and the Arts seek to integrate the science of sport and the performing arts for the mutual benefit of both.
ACSM is promoting PAMA's regional meetings to its members as part of the collaborative exchange and application of wellness, training and performance research and initiatives.
Click here for initiative goals and a list of collaborative organizations
Visit web site: www.athletesandthearts.com
HEARING LOSS GETTING ATTENTION AND COMMENT
The CDC-NIOSH recently posted this blog to encourage more dialogue and input. Time is short, so add your comment now to the blog at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog/
Watch for a supplemental issue of the International Journal of Audiology developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in cooperation with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA). Highlighting the research presented at NHCA’s 35th Annual Conference in February 2010, the studies featured focus on expanding the traditional boundaries of hearing loss prevention and sharing knowledge on an international level.
Click here for details
MTNA GETS FIRST DEMONSTRATION
A keynote session of the March conference of MTNA will debut the first comprehensive, interdisciplinary, medically-based, global performance enhancement network built upon evidence-based scientific protocols and ongoing research.
Two PAMA members are on the team:
Neil Cherian, MD, Director of Performance Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic
Kathleen Riley, PhD, Music Performance & Rehabilitation Specialist for the Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute
Others are:
Barry Bittman, MD, CEO - Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute
David Marcarian, MA, President - Precision Biometrics, Inc.
Click here for details
PAMA MEMBERS IN PRINT
Donna Krasnow - Conditioning with Imagery for Dancers is an invaluable resource for dancers and dance educators. The book includes detailed descriptions of the purpose, form, and rhythm of more than eighty exercises, fully illustrated with step-by-step photographs. Each exercise is also supported by accompanying imagery to assist dancers as they work through the program. View more details
To see who else is published, click here
To add your book to the list, click here to log-in as a PAMA member
MUSIC AND SCIENCE GROUP
Affiliated with the University of London's Institute of Musical Research, the Music and Science Group exists to enhance creative understanding between those whose work lies at the crossroads of music and science, and to provide online services and resources for the community. Members currently work in conservatoires and departments of music, music education, neuroscience, computer science, psychology, and electrical engineering.
Events of interest to these communities are regularly posted to the Music and Science JISC mail list. Click here if you would like to subscribe to this list.
Click here for more information.
Another Successful Meeting for IADMS
Several PAMA members participated in the recent annual IADMS meeting in Birmingham, England.
PAMA member presenters: Katherine Ewalt, Nancy Kadel, Robin Kish, Donna Krasnow, Janice Plastino, Boni Reitveld, Virginia Wilmerding, and Luis Xarez.
Other PAMA members who attended include: William Russel and Kathy Zeller.
PubMed Author ID Project
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) is developing a system that will address the problem of ambiguous author names within PubMed and facilitate accurate search and retrieval of a participating author’s works. To learn more, click this link.
Boston Conference
“The Athletic Musician: An Exploration for Musicians, Teachers, and Health Care Providers” will be held on March 28, 2010 at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. View conference information.
Download the conference brochure here
For more details contact Regina Campbell, PT at regina@performingartspt.org
2010 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™ Presented
35th Annual Hearing Conservation Conference held on February 26, 2010 in Orlando, Florida.
NIOSH, in partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™, honoring those who have shown their dedication to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss through innovative or excellent hearing loss prevention practices in the work environment.
Back Row: Captain Margaret Kitt and SiS Award Committee members, Noah Seixas, Ph.D., Deanna Meinke, Ph.D., Lee Hager, James Lankford, Ph.D., Pam Graydon M.S., Thais Morata Ph.D. Front Row Award Winners: Erich Thalheimer, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. and New York Department of Environmental Protections, Mead Killion, Ph.D., Etymotic Research Inc., and Kris Chesky, Ph.D., College of Music, University of North Texas.
The recipient for Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention in the Services Sector:
Associate Professor Dr. Kris Chesky and the College of Music, University of North Texas, are recognized for their contribution towards raising the awareness of the importance of hearing loss prevention among student and professional musicians. Dr. Chesky and colleagues are pursuing innovative research and methodology, education and advocacy to contribute to the success of hearing loss prevention among individuals involved in music performances and practice. Their work is bringing additional attention to the risk of music-induced hearing loss to other professionals in entertainment venues and to the general public.
NIOSH is the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH. More information about NIOSH can be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh.
The full article is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/upd-02-24-10.html
Also see: http://www.safeinsound.us/
Performance Science Articles Available
Title: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Performance Science 2009 (ISPS)
Editors: Aaron Williamon, Sharman Pretty, Ralph Buck
Publisher: European Association of Conservatoires (AEC), Utrecht, The Netherlands
ISBN: 978-94-90306-01-4
Articles published in the Proceedings of International Symposium on Performance Science 2009, hosted by the University of Auckland on 15-19 December 2009, are now available online: www.performancescience.org.
Articles are freely downloadable and can be sorted by author, title, and keyword.
To provide feedback or to report any problems with the site, please email cps@rcm.ac.uk. Requests to purchase hardcopies of the proceedings should be directed to Claire Speedy at c.speedy@auckland.ac.nz.
ISPS 2011 will be hosted by the University of Toronto on 24-27 August 2011. The call for papers, posters, symposia and workshops will be available soon at www.performancescience.org.
Visual/Performing Artists Health/Disability Conference
Sunday, April 11, 2010
12:00 - 5:00 pm
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, Connecticut
This is the inaugural conference of Artists in Transition, an organization that works with artists and performers facing physical and/or mental health issues. Over 100 other local, state and national arts, health and advocacy organizations are supporting the event. The organization relates:
"Inspiring architect/sculptorTom Luckey will keynote and awesome entertainment will be provided by Our Time Theatre. There will be outstanding networking opportunities and 15 information-packed breakout sessions on diverse subjects such as healthcare, maximizing employment potential, grant writing, etc., plus speakers will include artists and performers who themselves are dealing with health and disability issues and making their art and lives a creative force!"
For details and registration: www.artistsintransitionUSA.blogspot.com
3rd International Musicians' Medicine Congress in Greece
The 3rd International Musicians' Medicine Congress will be held in Greece April 15-17, 2010. The Congress will raise awareness about vocational disorders of musicians and will include lectures, workshops, and concerts. New for this year, a thematic unit dedicated to dance medicine will be added.
For more information, visit the Praxicon website.
Or, download the 1st announcement here.
PAMA Symposium
Two changes have been made for the 2010 Symposium. First, the name is now “Medical Problems of Performing Artists” to reflect the broad spectrum of our topics. Second , it will be held in JULY instead of June.
The new symposium dates are July 29-Aug 1, 2010 and the location is Snowmass, Colorado.
Download the 2010 Symposium Brochure
CME Course - Principles of Dance Medicine
The Harkness Center for Dance Injuries at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases will be holding its acclaimed continuing medical education course, “Principles of Dance Medicine: Clinical Management of the Dancer Patient” from July 15-18, 2010 in New York.
For more information visit www.danceinjury.org or contact harkness@nyumc.org
Boston Globe Article
"N.H. Anthrax Case Focuses on Drums"
By Holly Ramer
Associated Press / December 30, 2009
CONCORD, N.H. - A New Hampshire woman diagnosed with a rare gastrointestinal anthrax case may have swallowed spores propelled into the air by vigorous drumming, a state health specialist said.
Read the full story
New Society Announced
An Austrian Society for Music and Medicine has been founded. It was formed in 2009 by Austrian members in the German Association for Music Physiology and Musicians’ Medicine (DGfMM www.DGfMM.org). The first annual conference will be in March 2010.
Visit www.OeGfMM.at for more details.
Baltimore Sun Article Features PAMA Member
An August 29 article by Tim Smith tells the story:
When longtime Baltimore Symphony Orchestra violinist Ivan Stefanovic lost the sensation in the index finger of his left hand, he asked colleagues where he could get help. The answer for Stefanovic, as it has been for a number of the orchestra's musicians: David Shulman, a former professional clarinetist turned physical therapist.
"What impressed me was that the first thing he said was, 'Bring in your instrument.' That immediately told me he was a different therapist," Stefanovic says. "We don't have to explain what we do and how we do it. He knows what kind of injuries we sustain and how to treat it without injuring us further."
Full article at
http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-ae.therapist29aug29,0,6552883,full.story)
PAMA Members Participate in National Flute Association's Annual Meeting
Photo courtesy of Brian Covington |
Several PAMA members participated in the National Flute Association's annual meeting in New York City recently. The photo shows a panel with PAMA members Stephen Mitchell (at the mike), Ralph Manchester (#3 seated at right), and Michael Weinstein (seated at right end). Also shown are nonmembers Hal Ott and John Barcellona. Other PAMA members attending the Flute conference were: Susan Fain, Marilyn First, Amy Likar, Karen Lonsdale, and Ellen Shapiro.
Sir James Galway was honored at this conference and led the World Record Flute Ensemble with 1989 flutists in a musical presentation on August 14, 2009.
What fun our members have! |
The New ISME Forum on Instrumental and Vocal Teaching at the ISME World Conference, Beijing 2010
In July 2008 a new Forum on Instrumental and Vocal Music Teaching was ratified by the ISME Board. This Forum has been long-awaited and it represents an exciting new chapter in the Society's history. The Forum views the opportunity for all persons, young and old, to learn an instrument or to sing, as an enrichment of the quality of life. It holds as a central value the dignity of the profession of instrumental and vocal music teaching.
The vision for the Forum is:
• To investigate methods and practices of teaching instrumental or vocal students in both Western and non-Western contexts; and
• To explore and discuss the most recent relevant research that could assist instrumental/vocal teachers
The ISME Conference will be held in Beijing, China from August 1 to 6, and the Forum will commence two days prior to this, with sessions also expected throughout the main conference.
To those considering submitting a proposal for the new ISME Forum on Instrumental and Vocal Music Teaching, please follow the directions for the submission of presentations and mark the application "For consideration for the Forum on Instrumental and Vocal Music Teaching". Please note the October 1, 2009 deadline for submitting proposals.
Information about the ISME Forum appears on the website at: www.isme.org/2010/calls_presenters.html
Follow the leads to "Forum Session/meeting".
Included are all aspects of the teaching of instrumental and vocal performance from beginner to advanced, from infants to adult learner/performers, from those engaged in teaching handicapped students as well as those concerned with promoting wellness in their teaching. Presentations will be welcomed from individual private teachers as well as those teaching performance in schools, colleges and advanced programs in universities - indeed, from any such teachers who feel that they have something to share with performance teachers in the international community, or who would like to present their approaches for comment and discussion. Delegates who simply wish to attend as observers are also welcome.
The group will disseminate information through practical articles in the Practice edition of the ISME Journal; interactive web pages and social networking; workshops with instrumental and vocal teachers; and articles in industry journals and magazines.
You may also contact PAMA member, Gail Berenson at berenson@ohio.edu
Beta Blockers Can Help Ease Stage Fright
News Source: DAPHNE HOWLAND / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News, 12:15 PM CDT on Monday, July 13, 2009
Submitted by: Kris Chesky, PhD
Nervous public speakers used to follow the dubious advice to "picture your audience in their underwear." But these days, like weekend warriors who've turned to the training, surgery and even drugs professional athletes use, ordinary people are increasingly using beta blockers – heart medication that has long been the favored drug of performers to quell stage fright.
"Over the last two or three years, I've had more people come to the office wanting beta blockers for things like PowerPoint presentations, primarily people giving in-office talks when their boss is there," said Dr. William Walton, a family physician in Dallas and past president of the Dallas County Medical Society. "The beta blocker doesn't blunt the anxiety per se. It stops the tremoring or hesitant speech in public speaking. They can be very effective drugs and quite safe for most people, especially because they're prescribed in low doses."
Dr. Christopher Crow, a family physician in Plano, believes that increasing demands on professionals to give presentations is the reason he's also seeing an uptick in beta blocker use.
"Not everyone has performance anxiety, but people new to it often do."
Prescribing for anxiety is a legal but off-label use of beta blockers – that is, not Federal Drug Administration- approved for that purpose. Beta blockers were approved for and are still primarily used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure. A 2006 study at the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Pharmacy found that off-label administration of beta blockers was higher than previously reported, but didn't pinpoint the prevalence of particular uses.
Unlike anti-anxiety drugs such as diazepam (best known as Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax) or even alcohol, which work on neurotransmitters in the brain to cause sedation and muscle relaxation, beta blockers prevent the body's natural adrenaline and noradrenaline from stimulating their target receptors. This slows the heart rate.
Beta blockers have few side effects, especially for people who only take them occasionally. Still, Walton cautioned against sharing drugs without a prescription. People with asthma, depression, low blood pressure, cardiac issues and other problems or who are on certain medications should not take beta blockers. And beta blockers will not help anyone with severe anxiety.
Professional help
The drugs seem designed for stage fright. They inhibit the harrowing effects of the adrenaline-laced fight or flight response that make a nervous performer even more nervous: pounding heart, quavering voice, trembling and sweaty hands. It's no wonder then that performers turned to them shortly after their invention nearly four decades ago.
Of the several beta blockers developed since, the most effective for performance anxiety remains the first: propranolol (brand name Inderal). Its use among actors and musicians is commonplace, if somewhat underground.
"There was a time I couldn't go on stage without beta blockers," said James Hampton, a former tenor who is now artistic services manager at the Dallas Opera. "There is a degree of 'good nerves' that you want, but that can go too far." Hampton used propranolol for one stressful year, when he was overwhelmed by a shift from singing to stage direction and completing a doctorate. Before ending his singing career, he sang for four years without them, encouraged after he had a successful performance despite forgetting his pills at home.
Musicians and actors have quit the stage because of performance fright. Yet some doctors and musicians resist beta blockers as treatment.
Many performers value that very rush of adrenaline that sparks anxiety. "It makes us aware of ourselves at a time when we need to be aware," said Sally Nystuen Vahle of the Dallas Theater Center and acting and voice instructor at the University of North Texas.
Beta blockers can introduce a dullness that interferes with that, according to Dr. Bernard Rubin, a professor at the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth and a physician who treats many musicians. For anyone facing even heart-pounding nerves, Rubin advocates "a little bit of time, a little bit of forethought and much less pharmacology."
Regardless of their stance on beta blockers for stage fright, every physician and performer interviewed said alternative relaxation techniques are also essential. And the No. 1 antidote to anxiety advocated by everyone is preparation.
"Practice, practice, practice," said Kris Chesky, director of UNT's Texas Center for Music and Medicine. "And put everything in perspective. If you falter, your life is not going to end."
Daphne Howland is a freelance writer in Portland, Maine.
howlanded@yahoo.com
Anti-anxiety secrets
For anyone who can't or won't use beta blockers for stage fright, doctors, performance coaches and performers offer these stress reducers:
Prepare well: People underestimate how much preparation any kind of presentation requires, says Rick Ericson, senior communications director at the LeMaster Group in Dallas, which provides media and presentation training for professionals. "We recommend practicing 20 to 30 times, starting in front of a mirror or using a home video camera. The more you practice, the more comfortable you get with the words, and that allows you to practice your physical performance and do something with that nervous energy."
Jimmy Clark, who plays first trombone with the Dallas Opera, advised making practice sessions as intense as a performance so your response will be the same. "Try to make yourself nervous in practice," he says. Clark admits that speaking at recitals shakes him more than playing, but he hasn't used beta blockers for either. "If I had a PowerPoint presentation to do, I would go in the room, fix the lighting, and have the talk virtually memorized. And get my friends to watch me practice."
Get comfortable: Dress as comfortably as you can, according to what is appropriate for your venue and your audience. "I don't care how well you've prepared, if you are uncomfortable, you're going to be thinking about that," Ericson says. Instead of looking at the sea of people, make eye contact with individuals in the crowd, which will feel like a more manageable, one-on-one interaction.
Breathe: Actress Sally Nystuen Vahle believes that inadequate breathing is a major contributor to performance anxiety. She recommends loosening your back and rib cage by stretching your arms overhead to enable breath support. Deep breaths can be calming and help return oxygen intake to normal, she says.
Stretch and prepare your body: Stretching can help you expend nervous energy, make you aware of any physical tensing up and help you relax. "Visualize different parts of your body, tighten up your muscle groups, then relax them purposefully," says Kris Chesky, director of UNT's Texas Center for Music and Medicine.
Include an icebreaker: One reason so many speakers start with a joke or anecdote is not just to make the audience feel comfortable, but also to help themselves relax, according to Candace Evans, freelance opera director at the Dallas Opera. Opening with a so-called high note can scale down the high-strung intensity. "A singer calls this a 'tipping point,' " Evans says. "It's getting early, positive feedback that you're OK."
Eat bananas (and avoid caffeine): Chesky recommends bananas to his jumpy music students and warns them away from coffee, which speeds up a racing heart. Eating bananas theoretically could work like taking a beta blocker because potassium has a role in calming the heart, and many performers believe in them. But there's another reason they may work. "Of the people who do need help with performance anxiety, 20 percent to 25 percent will get a response from a placebo," says Dr. Christopher Crow. "Sports psychologists deal with this all the time: When the pressure's on, how does my mind remain calm?"
New York Conference on Performing Arts Medicine
Download the conference brochure
There are few opportunities for physicians to increase their knowledge and improve their ability to treat the unique needs of performing artists with medical problems. New York City in January will offer a multidisciplinary survey of medical issues in the performing artist, and PAMA president Clay Miller will participate.
Sponsored by The Center for the Performing Artist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and The Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Houston, Texas, the course will include disorders of voice and breathing, musculoskeletal and neurological problems,
management of hormonal issues and anxiety, and others. It is intended for all physicians who care for performing artists. The registration fee is $295.
Intended primarily for physicians, the course offers continuing medical education credit. Details:
Medicine in the Performing Arts
Thursday, January 28, 2010
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Carnegie Hall, Rohatyn Room, New York, NY
Course Director: Lucian Sulica, MD
To register or more information:
Jacqueline Demmin
646-962-5441
jdemmin@med.cornell.edu
ISPS 2009 - International Symposium on Performance Science
Performing Excellence
15 - 18 December 2009 University of Auckland
The International Symposium of Performance Science (ISPS) aims to bring together artists and scientists, researchers and practitioners, and students and teachers for a lively exchange on performance and the skills which underpin it.
The inaugural ISPS conference was held in Porto’s Casa da Música in 2007 and explored theories, methods, and applications of performance science specifically within the field of music. The published proceedings represent a broad range of applications and interests from across the field of music, as well as the natural, social, and applied sciences.
ISPS 2009 will take place from 15-18 December at the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries, The University of Auckland, New Zealand. ISPS 2009 will explore the theme Performing Excellence from interdisciplinary perspectives across the arts, as well as the natural, social, and applied sciences. Those whose primary interests lie outside of the arts, but whose work nonetheless offers implications for the performing arts and/or for performing artists, are also encouraged to attend.
2009 keynote speakers will include:
Lord Robert Winston
Professor of Science and Society, Imperial College London (UK)
Deidre Anderson
Chief Executive Officer, U@MQ, Macquarie University (Australia)
Sylvie Fortin
Director of Graduate Programs, Department of Dance, University of Québec, Montreal (Canada)
K. Anders Ericsson
Conradi Eminent Scholar and Professor of Psychology, Florida State University (USA)
http://www.performancescience.org
Download ISPS 2009 Brief
Download ISPS 2009 Key Dates
German Dance Call for Papers 2009
11th Symposium / Congress of Dance Medicine
May 14 - 16, 2010 in Frankfurt/Main
University of Music and Performing Arts
We are looking for interesting contributions from the areas of basic dance medicine knowledge, clinical and practical dance medicine, dance physiology, research, dance instruction, as well as general dance-related themes. The goal of the congress ist to communicate the most up to date information for improving prevention, therapy, and training in dance. The 11th Congress has the titel, "The Point of Movement". The concentration will be on the joints and movement as well as the instructor's communication and application of dance medical knowledge in the practice of dance.
We would be pleased if you can enrich the program of our congress with a presentation. There will be numerous different possible formats accepted as presentations: lectures of varying lengths, workshops, discussion panels or poster presentations. Please find the precise information and details on the contents and format of the abstracts we will be accepting in the accompanying call for abstracts. Please note: the Deadline for handing in the abstracts is September 1, 2009.
Please feel free to contact us if you need further information.
Sabine Tamm,
Conference direktor
TaMeD e.V.
TanzMedizin Deutschland
Tel. 06151 – 39 17 601
Fax: 06151 – 39 17 602
E-Mail: info@tamed.de
www.tamed.de
CALL FOR PAPERS -
Forum on Instrumental and Vocal Teaching
ISME World Conference
Beijing, China
DEADLINE: October 1, 2009
www.isme.org/2010/calls_presenters.html
Follow the leads to "Forum Session/meeting"
MEETING: August 1-6, 2010
19th ANNUAL MEETING of IADMS
October 19-31, 2009
Special Interest Groups Day: November 1
The Hague, The Netherlands
For complete information and schedules:
iadms.org/conferences
CALL FOR ARTICLES
It is my pleasure to invite you to submit articles for a special issue of the journal "WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment and Rehabilitation" on the subject of the Performing Arts. Articles addressing music (vocal and instrumental), dance and the theatre arts are welcome. Articles that provide an international perspective, either by the nature of the article or the affiliation of the authors, are particularly welcome. You are invited to submit feature length research articles or case studies, as appropriate.
Articles submitted by email by October 1st will be considered for this special issue. If you are unable to meet this deadline and still wish to contribute, please contact the Guest Editor at cguptill@uwo.ca.
For instructions to authors and sample copies of the journal, please visit the website at www.iospress.nl/html/10519815.php.
I look forward to receiving your submissions.
Sincerely,
Christine Guptill
Guest editor, Special Issue on the Performing Arts
BMus, BSc, MS(OT), OT Reg. (Ont.)
PhD (cand), Rehabilitation Sciences
The University of Western Ontario
London, ON, Canada.
CDC Recognizes Noise Induced Hearing Loss as an Important Health Topic
CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) recognizes noise induced hearing loss as an important health topic. The CDC is instructing schools to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss by limiting exposure to excessive noise on school property, screening for existing noise induced hearing loss, and teaching students how to protect their hearing.
Comment from Kris Chesky: I was surprised to see that the CDC is calling for policies to ensure that "hearing protection devices are available to students, that students are instructed on their proper use, and that these devices are required in classes or activities where students are exposed to potentially unsafe noise levels, such as music classes and marching bands".
Based on the intensity data I've collected, the concerns about potentially unsafe levels in music classes are certainly justified. However, the statements about hearing protectors are unreasonable and uninformed. My recent study of hearing protector use among music students indicate that we cannot rely on these devices as the means to protect students from daily instructional activities. This study was recently accepted for publication in the International Journal of Audiology and will be available soon.
I've sent a note about the CDC statement to the Executive and Deputy Directors of NASM in my ongoing push for NASM to establish a mandatory standard for occupational health education in Schools of Music.
News Source: Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/noise/index.htm
Submitted by: Kris Chesky, PhD
Injured From Tickling The Ivory
There are occupational health risks for musicians. A doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas is researching piano-related injuries. Eri Yoshimura said that research shows that a smaller keyboard can reduce injuries and stress on pianists with small hands. Kris Chesky tells of types of injuries related to the instrumentsplayed by performers.
Read the full story here.
News Source: Amanda Salinas, The 33 News, Dallas, Texas May 20, 2009
Submitted by: Kris Chesky, PhD
PAMA member Bronwen Ackermann wins major grant to study occupational health and safety issues of orchestral musicians
The Australia Research Council with the Major Performing Arts Board of the Australia Council in collaboration with Sydney University and 8 of the major orchestras of Australia have dedicated over $2 million in cash and in-kind funding to addressing the occupational health and safety needs of orchestral musicians over a 5 year time frame. The commercial success of Australia’s 8 major professional orchestras is due to the outstanding standard of performance achieved by its musicians. This success comes at great cost, however, and musicians are vulnerable to playing-related disorders that can affect the musculoskeletal neurological, psychological and auditory systems.
This study involves the development and implementation of the first-ever national injury surveillance scheme of orchestras that will document exposure and health issues over a 5 year period. It will allow targeted studies to be developed that evaluate the effectiveness of injury management interventions for orchestral musicians. This will lead to the development of specific occupational health and safety policies and practices for orchestral musicians that will be designed to both prevent injuries and effectively manage injured musicians. This project will produce new knowledge about musician health, well-being and injury prevention and management.
We will establish musician-specific assessment protocols, practices and interventions leading to effective OHS policies, thus enabling global improvement in OHS in the music industry, preventing economic and personal loss from premature career termination due to injury, and assisting, through mentoring, the new generation of young orchestral musicians.
PAMA member Bronwen Ackermann, PhD (Physiotherapy) is the lead investigator on this project and will be responsible for the selection and training of physiotherapists in each state who will conduct the injury prevention and management programs. She will devise the musician musculoskeletal system examinations at baseline, the questionnaire evaluations and the treatment interventions. She will be involved in designing the injury surveillance system and is responsible for overseeing all elements of the study. She will supervise the conduct of these examinations and treatment programs in each of the eight orchestras with whom she has worked extensively in the past.
For details, contact: B.Ackermann@usyd.edu.au
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