Trumpet embouchure injuries: Restructuring practice habits for a longer and healthier career

Solomon, Kayla Olenka

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120279 Copy

Description

Title

Trumpet embouchure injuries: Restructuring practice habits for a longer and healthier career

Author(s)

Solomon, Kayla Olenka

Issue Date

2023-04-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Gilreath, Amy

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Carrillo, Teofilo

Committee Member(s)

• Carrillo, Carlos
• Romm, Ronald

Department of Study

Music

Discipline

Music

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

A.Mus.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• trumpet
• embouchure
• music injury

Abstract

This dissertation presents information for trumpet players and teachers to use to better understand the symptoms, causes, and recovery of overuse embouchure injuries. In addition, it provides accessible injury prevention tools for trumpet players to include in their daily lives. When it comes to embouchure injury, it must be noted that the body is composed of various networks and misalignments in one area can affect other areas. This dissertation focuses in particular on the psychological and musculoskeletal systems and how they can be impacted by overuse injury. Three main methods were used for this research: surveys, interviews, and comparison of performing arts and athletic medicine texts. There are many similarities between musicians and athletes, and by drawing on injury prevention information from athletics, we can then apply similar approaches for musicians. One of the biggest contributing factors to overuse embouchure injuries in trumpet players is inappropriate time management. However, since there are many other variables that can affect the likelihood of an overuse injury occurring and no person’s body is identical, the approach to injury prevention and recovery looks different for everyone. This dissertation serves as a starting point for trumpet players and educators who are interested in injury prevention. While injuries among musicians are common, the education and support that musicians receive is much less in proportion to what athletes experience. Through additional research and inclusion of injury prevention resources in the regular teaching curriculum, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of overuse embouchure injuries among trumpet players.

Graduation Semester

2023-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Kayla Solomon

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