Affiliations: Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, UK | School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Kevin Price, Head of Brass, Royal
Welsh College of Music and Drama, Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10
3ER, Wales, UK. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Professional musicians require a disciplined and balanced regime of
practise and performance to enable them to cope with the physical challenges of
their chosen instrument and to reduce the risk of work- related injury. If
practise or performance strategies are suddenly changed, permanent damage may
occur even in a player with a mature, well-established technique. The trombone
presents unique physical challenges which are heightened by recent developments
in instrumental design as well as by orchestral working conditions. This study
presents the experiences of a professional orchestral trombonist who worked as
a principal player in a UK orchestra until his performing career was cut short
by a performance related injury. His personal approach to practise is discussed
in the context of the physical and professional challenges associated with
contemporary orchestral practices. The case study demonstrates the importance
of considering the interplay between psychological and physical factors in the
development and treatment of injury in musicians.
