My career as a clarinetist has been primarily focused on deeply mastering the technique of the instrument. Throughout this long journey, I’ve normalized playing with countless back pains, especially in my lower back. I’ve been surrounded by musicians suffering from injuries who continued to perform despite them, and, in summary, I’ve come to accept living with pain.
Very few people told me that taking care of our body and staying physically fit is essential to effectively handle daily practice without pain. Very few spoke to me about warm-ups beyond the technical preparation for the instrument. Additionally, the importance of maintaining a healthy and strong mind, especially given the constant exposure to judgment, was rarely addressed. Muscle pain? See a physiotherapist or take painkillers. Anxiety, fear, insecurity? “Maybe music isn’t for you, since you can’t enjoy it.”
Studies show that a large percentage of musicians still suffer from injuries, yet it seems that many of us don’t want to listen to our bodies. According to an article by Bráulio Bosi (2017), “though injuries are a real threat to musicians, studies show they ignore the issue and symptoms, not allowing a proper recovery”.
Recent studies highlight that up to 68% of musicians report experiencing depression, and 71% suffer from anxiety or panic attacks (Gross and Musgrave 2020; Krueger 2019). Additionally, many studies point out that women are more prone to musculoskeletal injuries or mental health issues, which only adds to the complexity of musicians' well-being.
In seeking effective measures to address these issues, research on warm-up routines for musicians has demonstrated significant benefits. Specifically, the study by Dr. Jenerova Williams (2011) highlights the importance of a warm-up that integrates both the mind and the body, discussing its elements and the proper sequence to follow. Yoga has been an important part of my "recovery" time, not only physically but also mentally. Many studies already speak to the effectiveness of this discipline for musicians.
With this research, I invite clarinetists and all musicians in the room to explore their routines, become aware of their injuries, investigate what’s happening with their bodies, and learn how to address these issues. I also encourage them to incorporate a carefully chosen warm-up routine into their lives and careers as musicians, treating it as a fundamental practice.
