Abstract

This honors thesis paper looks into the injuries commonly experienced by musicians and how the addition of the Alexander Technique affects both the injury and the performance of the musician. The purpose of this research was to attempt to find a solution to the pain musicians suffer from Repetitive Strain Injuries through either a treatment or prevention process of using the Alexander Technique. Throughout the research, the main questions that guided the findings were: what is causing the injuries many musicians seem to develop, what are the current uses of the Alexander Technique, has anyone experimented with using the Alexander Technique as a treatment for injuries, and what are the possible benefits of incorporating the Alexander Technique in musicians’ routine starting at an earlier age. After much research, the findings in this honors project show that the main type of injury experienced by many musicians is called Repetitive Strain Injury, the Alexander Technique is used to treat the pain experienced by these and other injuries, and the Alexander Technique is a could potentially prevent the continuation of these injuries. Putting the findings from this thesis into practice could mean relieved pain for many musicians and fewer musicians being diagnosed with Repetitive Strain Injuries.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 5-9-2016

Mentor

Karin Harfst Sehmann

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Associate Dean of the College of Science

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Music

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