About Musicians Dystonia & Injury Live Talk

During the pandemic, many musicians have been stuck indoors. As a result, I noticed their need for expression started growing and soon many where posting videos of performances, zoom meetings, and creative projects on social media.

I thought this was a great opportunity for the music dystonia and injury community to come together and share our journey's in order to raise public awareness within the profession. Thus, the live-stream series Musicians Dystonia & Injury Live Talk began in March 2020. This also helped others who are struggling with a disorder or injury participate and engage through the interactive nature of live-stream commenting. 

So far I have interviewed 23 musicians, including health practitioners such as:
 

• Former NY Philharmonic Principal Tuba player, Current Professor at University of Denver - Warren Deck

• Former twice Principal Oboe of the Chicago Symphony, and Current Principal of the Calgary Symphony - Alex Klein

• Legendary horn player and professor of horn at UMKC - Marty Hackleman

• Professor of Guitar at Manhattan School of Music and prize winning classical guitarist - David Leisner

• Renown trombonist from the Harry Connick Jr. Band, and owner of Chop Shop - Dion Tucker

• MET Principal Piccolo player - Stephanie Mortimore

• Principal Tuba of the Sydney Symphony - Steve Rosse

• Philadelphia Orchestra horn player and professional - Angela Cordell Bilger

• Broadway Pianist - Paul Loesel

• Flautist, practitioner, and researcher - Anna Detari

• The "Mindful Pianist" - Akiko Trush

• Trumpeter Jonathan Vieker

• Professional sax player Clare Church

• Professional hand therapist and owner of Artistic Advantage - Martha Paterson 

• Bagpiper David Duncan

• Former military woodwind specialist - Frank Bozak

• Professional jazz flautist Andrea Brachfeld

• Violinist Jonathan Mui

• Percussionist Callaghan Soligram

• Pianist Richard Ware

• Tuba player Dr. Adam Stevens

• Horn player Dr. Kathryn Pewenofkit Briner

• Trumpet player Jamie Langridge

The live-streams are aired on the Musicians Dystonia & Live Talk facebook page, then edited and published on the Living with Embouchure Dystonia YouTube channel.

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I can't tell you how much it has meant to musicians past and present out there - an outpouring of messages saying "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Lives have been impacted and it brought us all closer together. I have immense gratitude for all who participate! It has been an honor sharing your stories. Thank you for your vulnerability, wisdom, strength, and love for music.

I hope that these videos continue to reach into the hearts of those who cope with musician ailments.Most of all I hope it influences a better future for coming generations, even if a glimmer of hope by opening the door to conversation, education, and support. For many of us have gone this journey alone, unrecognized, unheard, and misunderstood.

- Katie