Research in Performers’ Health
The films below highlight the latest research from Healthy Conservatoires members investigating the health and wellbeing of performers.
Health Education for Musicians
Research examines the efficacy of health-focused education in a music conservatoire.
Read the full report:
Matei R, Broad S, Goldbart J, & Ginsborg J (2018), Health education for musicians, Frontiers in Psychology, 9 (1137), 1-17 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
Singing Safely in a Pandemic
Research examines whether singing causes more risk than speaking in transmitting a virus.
Read the full report:
Gregson FKA, Watson NA, Orton CM, Haddrell AE, McCarthy LP, Finnie TJR, Gent N, Donaldson GC, Shah PL, Calder JD, Bzdek BR, Costello D, and Reid JP (2021), Comparing aerosol concentrations and particle size distributions generated by singing, speaking and breathing, Aerosol Science and Technology, 55, 681-691. [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
Music Students’ Perceptions, Attitudes and Behaviours toward Health
Research investigating how music students consider and address their mental and physical wellbeing.
Read the full report:
Araújo L, Wasley D, Perkins R, Atkins L, Redding E, Ginsborg J, & Williamon A (2017), Fit to perform: an investigation of higher education music students’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward health, Frontiers in Psychology, 8 (1558), 1-19 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
Music Students’ Physical Fitness
Research finding that more can be done to help ensure musicians are physically fit and ready to take the stage.
Read the full report:
Araújo L, Wasley D, Redding E, Atkins L, Perkins R, Ginsborg J, & Williamon A (2020), Fit to perform: a profile of higher education music students’ physical fitness, Frontiers in Psychology, 11 (298), 1-18 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
Musicians’ Mental Health
Research investigating the degree to which professional musicians are mentally well through experiencing positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment in their lives.
Read the full report:
Ascenso S, Perkins R, & Williamon A (2018), Resounding meaning: a PERMA wellbeing profile of classical musicians, Frontiers in Psychology, 9 (1895), 1-14 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
Profiling Musicians’ Pain
Research investigating the degree to which, and where, musicians experience performance-related pain.
Read the full report:
Cruder C, Falla D, Mangili F, Azzimonti L, Araújo L, Williamon A, & Barbero M (2018), Profiling the location and extent of musicians’ pain using digital pain drawings, Pain Practice, 18, 53-66 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
The Satisfaction and Stress of Singing Professionally
Research investigating how singers’ bodies react to the pressures of public performance.
Read the full report:
Fancourt D, Aufegger L, & Williamon A (2015), Low-stress and high-stress singing have contrasting effects on glucocorticoid response, Frontiers in Psychology, 6 (1242), 1-5 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
Reacting to Audition Stress
Research demonstrating how performers’ hearts respond to the pressures of an audition.
Read the full report:
Chanwimalueang T, Aufegger L, Adjei T, Wasley D, Cruder C, Mandic DP, & Williamon A (2017), Stage call: cardiovascular reactivity to audition stress in musicians, PLOS One, 12 (e0176023), 1-14 [DOI].
Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media
