Brusky, Paula (2010). Addressing Injury Prevention While Teaching. College Music Society. Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Abstract: Performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are a reality for many musicians. PRMDs include any pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, loss of dexterity, loss of flexibility, or any other symptom that keeps a musician from playing at the level to which he or she is accustomed. A recent study showed that most young musicians believe that their teacher is largely responsible for preventing PRMDs, yet most education curriculums do not teach injury prevention to the educators. Lifetime habits are formed in the classroom and during lessons. This paper addresses ways that teachers in private studios or in front of a full band/orchestra can teach PRMD prevention to their students benefiting current practice and future careers. Practical ways to incorporate PRMD prevention within current teaching curriculums will be discussed. Creating an environment conducive to discussing PRMDs with your students will also be addressed.
Brusky, Paula (2010). Creating Opportunities: Launching a Competition. College Music Society. Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Abstract: In 2009 plans were laid to launch the 2010 Bassoon Chamber Music Composition Competition. The goal of the competition is to increase chamber repertoire for the bassoon and create exposure for outstanding young musicians/composers. Launching a new competition required organizing numerous aspects to create a worthwhile product, such as: recruiting an expert panel of judges to select the winning compositions, enlisting a major independent classical music recording label to distribute a CD of the winning works, and fundraising. This paper covers: the steps taken to launch a successful competition; establishing beneficial collaborations; how to take a good idea and turn it into a useful reality; and how entrepreneurialism can improve all participants’ CVs.
Brusky, Paula (2010). Age of Bassoon Players Impacts Performance-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. Performing Arts Medicine Association. Snowmass, Colorado.
Abstract: Performance-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are a reality for many musicians. PRMDs include any pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, loss of dexterity, loss of flexibility, or any other symptom that keeps a musician from playing at the level to which he or she is accustomed. A recent study of bassoon players found that 86% reported a PRMD (n=166). The average age of respondents was 38 (min = 14, max = 78, range = 64). A bi-modal distribution of age resulted in two distinct age groups: <41=57%, >42=43%.
Age was a significant factor in how PRMDs were reported. The average age of a bassoonist reporting a PRMD was lower (younger) than the average age of a bassoonist without a PRMD for all body areas. The younger demographic reported more locations in the body with PRMDs than the older participants. Bassoon players that reported multiple PRMD symptoms were younger than those reporting few symptoms. The younger demographic also reported PRMD symptoms more frequently, especially for the most common symptom, pain. The severity of PRMD symptoms was the only factor not impacted by age.
Despite the large impact age had on the number of PRMDs reported, age was not a significant factor in the number of treatments tried. Nor was age a factor in the number of professionals consulted, making the age disparity even greater.
Age influenced what bassoon players believed contributed to the development of PRMDs. Out of a possible 22 contributing factors, the younger group (< 41) rated 17 factors significantly higher than the older group (< 42). The younger demographic reported that “time playing factors” were the most influential contributors to PRMD development; the older group agreed that “time factors” were important, but was more inclined to report that “life factors” also influence PRMD development.
Brusky, Paula (2010). Pain and Injury Prevention. International Double Reed Society. University of Oklahoma.
Lecture Description: Performance-related musculoskeletal disorders are common to double reed performers. Learn what factors increase risk and what contributes to pain and injuries. Ways to decrease injuries with simple changes to life style and practice habits will be presented. Successful self-treatment options will be discussed.