Performing Arts Medicine [Hardcover]

Robert Thayer Sataloff (Author), Alice G. Brandfonbrener (Author), Richard J. Lederman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1565939824 | ISBN-13: 978-1565939820 | Publication Date: July 1, 1998 | Edition: 2

Performing Arts Medicine should be invaluable to both physicians and performing artists. It provides guidelines for physicians interested in learning about and caring for the specialized problems of performers. It also provides information useful and understandable for performers and their teachers. Acquiring such knowledge helps performers understand their bodies and avoid injuries; and it puts them in a much better position to assess the quality of the medical care they receive when health problems occur. Teachers and performers will be well served by learning the principles and facts between covers,, and by participating actively in the acquisition of new knowledge and the further evolution of performing arts medicine.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A] very worthy pedagogical addition to the performing artist/teacher's library. It also deserves a place on the shelves of every fine arts, music, dance and medical school library. ... This book is highly recommended."

About the Author

Robert Thayer Sataloff, M.D., DMA is a prolific writer of books and articles. Dr. Sataloff is Professor of Otolaryngology at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia; Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery at Graduate Hospital; Adjunct Professor of Otorhinolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Pennsylvania and at Georgetown University; on the faculties of the Acadeomy of Vocal Arts and the Curtis Institute of Music, Conductor of the Thomas Jefferson University Choir and Orchestra, and Director of the Jefferson Arts-Medicine Center. He is also a professional singer and singing teacher. Dr. Sataloff is Chairman of the Board of Chief Directors of the Voice Foundation and of the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Voice, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Occupational Hearing Loss; on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Singing, Medical Problems of Performing Artists and Ear, Nose and Throat Journal.

Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine. Northwestern University Medical School. Director, Medical Program for Performing Artists. Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.

Department of Neurology. Director, Medical Center for Performing Artists. Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 454 pages
• Publisher: Singular; 2 edition (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565939824
• ISBN-13: 978-1565939820
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,247,417 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential information for suffering musicians, September 25, 2002

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This review is from: Performing Arts Medicine (Hardcover)

Before Repetitive Strain Injuries became well-known to the world through the widespread use of the computer keyboard, musicians were suffering from them. I had persistent tendonitis for several years, and this book was the best resource I ever found--once I did, I knew things my doctor didn't know! Although I am writing this review as a guitarist, this book addresses the overuse injuries that afflict all instrumentalists, singers, and dancers, and even includes a chapter on the "Psychological Aspects of the Development of Exceptional Young Performers and Prodigies."

...I recommend you try a good library. There's no way I could do justice to the wealth of information in this book (half of which, it's true, will probably be useless to any given reader--I skipped the chapter on "Foot and Ankle in Dance"), but let me distill a few simple tips (mainly for guitarists like me) until you can track down a copy. Injuries to guitarists (and string players) are often caused by playing with the wrists too bent. Guitarists should find guitars with small bodies--I recommend an Ovation with a shallow bowl. (Violinists and violists can find violins or violas with cutaways similar to those on some acoustic guitars.) Light gauge strings, a low action, and a neck that's not too wide at the nut are preferable. Straps should be wide and well-padded to best distribute the weight of the guitar. Picks can be wrapped in tape (the edge you hold only) to make them easier to hold without changing their sound.

All musicians should try limiting their caffeine (as my OT told me) and their sugar (as my masseuse told me). You should ABSOLUTELY call a doctor (probably a hand specialist, depending on your problem) to evaluate you--it can be very frustrating to try to get over the sorts of mysterious pains you will feel on your own.

As one who was driven to buy it by desperation, I can tell you that it is the Bible of its subject, and consulting a copy will reward you richly.