Musicians' Health and Safety
Students are encouraged to supplement information obtained in their lessons, master classes, and guest lectures regarding musicians' health and safety issues by utilizing some of the resources listed below. Additionally, music students are encouraged to take advantage of the WCSU Music Department’s status as an institutional member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) in order to obtain information about local resources available. Member login information is available in the Music Office.
Injury Prevention and Musicians' Health
Protecting Your Hearing Health
• NASM-PAMA Student Information Sheet on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (pdf)
• Music Induced Hearing Loss and Hearing Protection, by John F. King, Au.D.
• OSHA: Noise/Hearing Conservation
• Hearing Loss Decibel Levels
• Noises and Hearing LossMusculoskeletal Health and Injury
• The Role of Rest, by Ralph A. Manchester (pdf)
• A Painful Melody: Repetitive Strain Injury Among Musicians, by Tamara Mitchell (pdf)
• Repetitive Stress and Strain Injuries: Preventive Exercises for the Musician, by Gail A. Shafer-Crane (pdf)
• MusiciansHealth.comPsychological Health
• Performance Anxiety (WebMD)
• Conquering performance anxiety from inside out, by Helen Spielman (pdf)
• The Inner Game of Music, by Barry Green and W. Timothy Gallwey
• A Soprano on Her Head: Right-Side-Up Reflections on Life and Other Performances, by Eloise Ristad
Equipment and Technology Safety
• Students working as stage managers in Ives Concert Hall must complete a training session on how to safely move the grand pianos on stage. Contact Laura Piechota for information.
• Students working as audio/recording technicians must complete a training session on how to safely use the sound system and recording equipment, and how to safely lift and carry stage monitors. Contact Dr. O'Grady for information.
Acoustic Conditions in Practice, Rehearsal, and Performance Facilities
• Although WCSU's acoustically-treated practice, rehearsal, and performance facilities meet OSHA Noise Standards, students must be mindful of exposure to excessive noise levels for extended periods of time. OSHA guidelines define excessive noise levels as 90 decibels or higher for more than 8 hours. For more information, please click here for a decibel comparison chart. Please see below for decibel levels specific to musical performance and listening:
Chart: Musical Decibel Levels
