Musicians as Athletes
“Musicians must be viewed as athletes. Each performs a task that requires strength, flexibility, coordination, and agility, all which are components of a true athlete.”
Quarrier (1993)
Musicians are often compared to athletes because their work is physically demanding. Like athletes, musicians need strength, flexibility, coordination, and stamina to perform well (Quarrier 1993, 90). This comparison shows why musicians should take care of their bodies like professional athletes. Playing an instrument, especially during long practice sessions or performances, requires repetitive movements and can involve awkward or unbalanced postures. These factors often lead to injuries, especially in the muscles and joints (Rodríguez-Gude, Taboada-Iglesias, and Pino-Juste 2022).
Unfortunately, many musicians are not in the habit of exercising regularly. John Kella, a violist with the New York Metropolitan Opera Symphony, explains that although playing some instruments requires a lot of physical strength, many musicians do not incorporate fitness routines into their daily lives (Quarrier 1993, 91). He recommends a "48-hour rule," which is common in sports. This rule suggests resting for two days after intense physical activity to allow the muscles to recover and prevent injury. While this approach is widely accepted in athletics, it is challenging for musicians, given the need for daily practice.
Musicians' Wellbeing
Making music is often praised for its positive effects on mental health and general wellbeing. However, professional musicians often face high levels of stress, both mental and physical. Studies show that musicians face challenges such as performance anxiety, physical fatigue, and the pressure to be perfect (Ascenso 2022). Musgrave (2023) describes a paradox: while music brings joy and mental health benefits to listeners, the demands of being a professional musician can be detrimental to the mental health of the musicians themselves.
Wellbeing is more than just not being ill; it includes both feeling good (hedonic wellbeing) and functioning well (eudaimonic wellbeing) (Ascenso 2022, 281).
Preventing Injury
“Musicians should still be concerned because an injury can alter the path of their careers or even terminate it prematurely. Though injuries are a real threat to musicians, studies show they ignore the issue and symptoms, not allowing a proper recovery.”
Bosi (2017)
Injury prevention is an essential part of physical conditioning for musicians. Research shows that between 46% and 90% of musicians experience muscle and joint injuries at some point in their lives. The neck and shoulders are the most commonly affected areas (Rodríguez-Gude, Taboada-Iglesias, and Pino-Juste 2022). To reduce the risk of these injuries, strategies such as proper warm-ups, regular breaks, and posture correction are highly recommended (Bosi 2017).
Warm-ups are particularly important as they prepare the body for playing by improving circulation and reducing the risk of overuse. Susan Williams (Baroque Trumpet Player and Author of 'Quality Practice') explains that warm-ups involve both physical and mental preparation. They include exercises that helps musicians improve their posture and use their muscles efficiently.
Activities such as yoga and pilates are particularly helpful because they
build balance, strength, and flexibility, which are essential for coping with the uneven physical demands of playing instruments (Quarrier 1993; Williams 2011). Mara Tar (Physiotherapist for Musicians and Dancers) emphasizes that musicians do not need to follow a specific fitness regime—any activity that keeps the body active is beneficial, whether it’s yoga, pilates, or simply walking.
Education also plays a key role in injury prevention. Health education courses that teach posture, technique, and body awareness have been shown to reduce injury rates among music students (Matei et al. 2018). Rickert, Barrett, and Ackermann (2015) emphasize that music schools should make these topics a priority to give students the tools to cope with the physical and mental demands of professional performance.
End note
As a musician myself, I believe that treating musicians like athletes, prioritizing our wellbeing, and preventing injury are essential to building long and fulfilling careers. By incorporating fitness routines, wellness education, and injury prevention into our daily lives, we can stay healthy, perform at our best, and enjoy longer, more rewarding journeys in our profession. Disciplines such as yoga have proven to be very effective for musicians. In my case, it was a revelation. But as music physiotherapist Mara Tar tells us, it doesn’t matter what sport or activity you choose—just pick the one that works best for you and incorporate it into your routine, even if it’s something as simple as walking.
Warming up has been shown to be an important factor not only in injury prevention, but also in preparing the body and mind for a practice session or performance, which is the point of all this research.