Name
Musicians’ Health and Wellness Resources in Canadian Post-Secondary Music Programs
Date & Time
Monday, July 27, 2026, 3:05 PM - 3:20 PM
Description
Theoretical/pedagogical background of the paper: Though performing arts medicine is a relatively new field compared to specialties such as sports medicine, the medical problems of musicians are alarming and career threatening. Research suggests that more than 80% of professional musicians will encounter performance-related health conditions that negavitely affect their ability to work. Current literature also suggests that conditions are prevalent amongst post-secondary music students. Existing studies examine a small number of post-secondary music schools who have implemented health promotion courses in their curricula and have demonstrated improvements in self-efficacy and perceived knowledge of health promotion strategies.Aim/focus of the work: We sought to examine health promotion and health education offerings in Canadian post-secondary music programs.Method/Approach: The research team collaborated with the new Canadian Network for Musicians’ Health and Wellness (CNMHW); post-secondary music educators within the network participated in this study. Members completed an initial survey to report on their current offerings. Participants then completed semi-structured interviews to discuss elements such as enrolment, frequency of offerings, and administrative challenges faced when implementing these offerings.Results: The offerings from these institutions can be categorized into five types of resources: courses (credited or non-credited), practical workshops, research centers, graduate student contributions, and other. All post-secondary institutions examined have health education offerings available to their students. Four institutions have courses implemented within their curricula; the other institution has a sizeable selection of health-related initiatives available to students.Conclusions and implications for music education: All institutions interviewed offer one or more of these resources at least once per academic year. A future study looking at student engagement and their perceived experiences with available health resources would provide insight in the efficacy of health promotion within institutions. While this paper highlights what can be done to promote health education and resources for post-secondary music students, it is also important to highlight the importance of educating instructors and adminis­trators. By fostering a culture of health and wellness, instructors and administra­tors can help to mitigate the prevalence of injuries among musicians.
Location Name
513A
Full Address
Palais des Congres - Montréal Convention Centre
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
Session Type
Short Paper Presentation
Presenting Author(s)
Carlos Tinoco