Department of Music Statement on Health and Wellness
Protecting Neuromusculoskeletal Health
- Neuromusculoskeletal health is essential to your lifelong success as a musician.
- Musicians are susceptible to numerous neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Some musculoskeletal disorders are related to behavior; others are genetic; still, others are the result of trauma or injury. Some genetic conditions can increase a person’s risk of developing certain behavior-related neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
- Sufficient physical and musical warm-up time is important.
- Proper body alignment and correct physical technique are essential.
- Regular breaks during practice and rehearsal are vital in order to prevent undue physical stress and strain.
- It is important to set a reasonable limit on the amount of time that you will practice in a day.
- Avoid sudden increases in practice times.
- Maintain healthy habits. Safeguard your physical and mental health.
- If you are concerned about your personal neuromusculoskeletal health, talk with a medical professional. If you are concerned about your neuromusculoskeletal health in relationship to your program of study
Protecting Vocal Health
- Understanding basic care of the voice is essential for musicians who speak, sing, and rehearse or teach others.
- Many vocal disorders and conditions are preventable and/or treatable.
- Begin warming up mid-range, and then slowly work outward to vocal pitch extremes.
- Proper alignment, adequate breath support, and correct physical technique are essential.
- Know your voice and its limits, and avoid overdoing it or misusing it.
- Drink plenty of water in order to keep your vocal folds adequately lubricated. Limit your use of alcohol, and avoid smoking.
- Day-to-day decisions can impact your vocal health, both now and in the future. Since vocal strain and a myriad of other injuries can occur in and out of school, you also need to learn more and take care of your own vocal health on a daily basis. Avoid shouting, screaming, or other strenuous vocal use.
- If you are concerned about your personal vocal health, talk with a medical professional.
Protecting Hearing Health
- Hearing health is essential to your lifelong success as a musician.
- Your hearing can be permanently damaged by loud sounds, including music. Technically, this is called Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Such danger is< constant.
- You must avoid overexposure to loud sounds, especially for long periods of time.
- The closer you are to the source of a loud sound, the greater the risk of damage to your hearing mechanisms.
- The use of earplugs and earmuffs helps to protect your hearing health.
- It is important to study this issue and learn more.
- If you are concerned about your personal hearing health, talk with a medical professional. Sounds over 85 dB (your typical vacuum cleaner) in intensity pose the greatest risk to your hearing. Risk of hearing loss is based on a combination of sound or loudness intensity and duration.
Decibles | Sound | Maximum Daily Exposure Time |
---|---|---|
85 dB | Vacuum cleaner, MP3 player at 1/3 volume | 8 hours |
90 dB | Blender, hairdryer | 2 hours |
94 dB | MP3 player at 1/2 volume | 1 hour |
100 dB | MP3 player at full volume, lawnmower | 15 minutes |
110 dB | Rock concert, power tools | 2 minutes |
120 dB | Jet planes at take-off | Without protection, immediate damage |
Protecting Your Emotional and Mental Health
Miami University is committed to the emotional and mental health needs of our students. As such, there are many resources available for you if you are experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, substance abuse, or other mental health issues impacting your ability to learn. The Student Counseling Service offers confidential mental health counseling and medication services for full-time Oxford students, including same-day emergency services.
If you are experiencing any emotional difficulty, please contact their office at 513-529-4634 or MiamiOH.edu/StudentCounseling.
Department of Music
The Miami University Department of Music encourages its students to develop their relationship to the discipline of music as they explore the world through the lens of a superb liberal arts education.