Research in Performers’ Health

The effects of COVID-19 on performing artists

Research investigating the effects of COVID-19 Lockdown 1.0 on working patterns, income, and wellbeing among performing arts professionals in the United Kingdom.

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Spiro N, Perkins R, Kaye S, Tymoszuk U, Mason-Bertrand A, Cossette I, Glasser S, and Williamon A (2020), The effects of COVID-19 Lockdown 1.0 on working patterns, income, and wellbeing among performing arts professionals in the United Kingdom (April-June 2020), Frontiers in Psychology. [DOI].

Film produced by: Tantrwm Digital Media

Health Education for Musicians

Research examines the efficacy of health-focused education in a music conservatoire.

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Matei R, Broad S, Goldbart J, & Ginsborg J (2018), Health education for musicians, Frontiers in Psychology, 9 (1137), 1-17 [DOI].

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Singing Safely in a Pandemic

Research examines whether singing causes more risk than speaking in transmitting a virus.

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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].

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Music Students’ Perceptions, Attitudes and Behaviours toward Health

Research investigating how music students consider and address their mental and physical wellbeing.

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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].

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Music Students’ Physical Fitness

Research finding that more can be done to help ensure musicians are physically fit and ready to take the stage.

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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].

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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.

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Ascenso S, Perkins R, & Williamon A (2018), Resounding meaning: a PERMA wellbeing profile of classical musicians, Frontiers in Psychology, 9 (1895), 1-14 [DOI].

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Profiling Musicians’ Pain

Research investigating the degree to which, and where, musicians experience performance-related pain.

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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].

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The Satisfaction and Stress of Singing Professionally

Research investigating how singers’ bodies react to the pressures of public performance.

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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].

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Reacting to Audition Stress

Research demonstrating how performers’ hearts respond to the pressures of an audition.

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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].

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