As with all musicians, the practice of skill development, repetitious movement and activity that is not so aerobically active for better health and well being.

I, and I believe many other conductors, have endured pain and discomfort as a result of long sessions in conducting at music camps, production and performance runs of school musicals, or exertion on top of these as a result of shifting heavy instruments, chairs and amplifiers. I have endured stiff necks, headaches the day after, pain deep in the shoulder, sore forearms, stiff lower back…

The Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare is a national group who promotes research and presentations relevant to the healthcare of performing arts such as conductors.

Their website states:

“We are here because:

• The performing arts are a key part of the cultural, financial and day-to-day life of Australia and Australians.
• “Making a living” remains challenging for many performing arts organisations and most performing artists.
• These challenges and pressures can leave little room for health and wellbeing in the day-to-day life of performing artists.
• The healthcare system in Australia remains largely ignorant of the unique health needs of these performers.

“We recognise that the health of the performing artist and the quality of their art is inextricably linked. At the same time we understand that the still culturally embedded perspective that artists may need to “suffer for their art” means that, often, wellbeing and artistry are treated as if they are unrelated.

“In its broadest sense, then, ASPAH’s aim is to change this culture so that the health and wellbeing of performing artists is treated with the same importance as their craft; not just for the sake of the artists themselves but also for the richness their “health supported” performances brings to us all.”

Visit their website for more information Click here

For example, in the Resources tab, there are Tip Sheets. The 7th Tip is “A guide to safe stretching and warm-ups” Click here

The Conference videos available on line have a very interesting range of presentations. Click here 

I have attended an annual conference where I heard research presentations on topics such as focal Dystonia, Stress and anxiety in Music Theatre professionals.

Even if you only conduct once a week, a warm-up and cool-down routine is essential to implement including incorporating deliberate breathing patterns.

If you have any questions, please contact Roland Yeung via email roland@rolandyeung.net.