What is the relationship between performance and preventive self-care?
At the High-Performance Music School (ESMAR), we firmly believe that peak musical performance can only be achieved through self-care and the musician's overall well-being. Excellence on stage should not be synonymous with pain or injury; on the contrary, a long and successful career is built on the foundation of prevention and physical and mental health.
True to this commitment, we are proud to share the recent publication of an important scientific research article in the prestigious Academic Journal of Health Sciences / Medicina Balear (Vol. 40, No. 4, 2025). This study, entitled "Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, self-care and study planning in music students," delves into the impact of pain, physical activity and study organization strategies on music students.
What makes this achievement even more significant and a cause for celebration for our community is that the research has been led and developed by prominent members of our institution and professionals closely linked to our educational project.
Co-authors: Francisco Fermín Galduf, professor at ESMAR and director of the GABOU Institute of Music and Development in Córdoba; Gemma Victoria Espí, professor at ESMAR and at the Faculty of Physiotherapy of the University of Valencia; Mª Teófila Vicente, Medical specialist in prevention and key speaker at the Musician's Health and Self-Care Conference organized by ESMAR; Inmaculada Colorado and Oscar Mascarell, professors at the Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy of the University of Valencia; and Nerea Valles, physiotherapist.
What does the investigation reveal?
The study thoroughly analyzes how musculoskeletal disorders (such as neck or shoulder pain) affect students depending on the type of instrument they play. One of the article's main conclusions is that, despite the high prevalence of these ailments, prevention strategies, physical exercise, and efficient study time planning still need to be more strongly emphasized during the training stages.
The authors also highlight the importance of working on psychological aspects such as self-perception and the performer's confidence, which are essential to prevent stage fright and enhance academic success.
The culture of prevention at ESMAR
The results of this research only serve to confirm the path that we at ESMAR have been following for some time. Subjects such as SEMINARS, practical workshops, and our specific sessions are precisely designed to equip our students with the self-care tools they need for their daily lives.
We don't understand the training of an elite musician solely in terms of technical skill or hours of practice with the instrument. For us, a high-performance musician is an elite athlete of fine motor skills. Therefore, integrating physiotherapy, psychology, preventative medicine, and proper effort planning in the classroom is our priority.
Self-care as a driver of musical excellence
This research demonstrates that physical and mental well-being is not an optional extra, but rather the true catalyst for maximizing a performer's potential. At ESMAR, we understand that striving for peak performance while neglecting health is unsustainable in the long run. Self-care and prevention serve as the ultimate impetus, allowing musicians to fully realize their technical and artistic capabilities, guaranteeing a long, healthy career at the height of their professional potential. We will continue to lead this paradigm shift so that music, science, and health always advance hand in hand.
The full article is available here. link