Performing Artist Health and Safety Information

The WCSU Music Department is an Institutional Member of the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA). Students are encouraged to supplement information obtained in their lessons, master classes, and guest lectures regarding performing artist health and safety issues by utilizing some of the resources listed below. Additionally, SVPA students are encouraged to become student members of PAMA in order to obtain information about local resources available. To become a student member of PAMA, please go to: http://www.artsmed.org/membership-levels

Injury Prevention and Performing Artist Health

Protecting Your Hearing Health

• NASM-PAMA Student Information Sheet on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (pdf)
• Audio Engineering Society: Preventing Hearing Loss (pdf)
• OSHA: Noise/Hearing Conservation
• Hearing Loss Decibel Levels

Musculoskeletal 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)

Psychological 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 Veronica Hagman 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.