Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. It should be a sign to take a break and reevaluate rather than push on.
Those ideas are incredibly toxic. Though I’ve only ever heard athletes actually say, “no pain no gain” aloud, those ideas are present in other fields as well. Music conservatories encourage these exact same toxic attitudes towards practing instruments. Its a highly competitive environment that encourages overtraining, and practicing to or past the point of pain. These ideas cause real harm and need to be opposed everywhere.
I was appalled when I read a survey of professional musicians about pain. The numbers who report being in pain regularly from playing are shockingly high, including the overwhelming majority of woodwinds. The way we encourage musicians to practice is basically the recipe for creating repetitive strain injuries.
Whatever you do, make sure you’re being smart about it. Take breaks, get rest, take care of yourself first, your craft second. You do not need to suffer for your art. It is neither helpful nor needed.
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. It should be a sign to take a break and reevaluate rather than push on.
Those ideas are incredibly toxic. Though I’ve only ever heard athletes actually say, “no pain no gain” aloud, those ideas are present in other fields as well. Music conservatories encourage these exact same toxic attitudes towards practing instruments. Its a highly competitive environment that encourages overtraining, and practicing to or past the point of pain. These ideas cause real harm and need to be opposed everywhere.
I was appalled when I read a survey of professional musicians about pain. The numbers who report being in pain regularly from playing are shockingly high, including the overwhelming majority of woodwinds. The way we encourage musicians to practice is basically the recipe for creating repetitive strain injuries.
Whatever you do, make sure you’re being smart about it. Take breaks, get rest, take care of yourself first, your craft second. You do not need to suffer for your art. It is neither helpful nor needed.