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Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!faqserv From: Sandy Nicholson <S.Nicholson@edinburgh.ac.uk> Newsgroups: rec.music.classical.performing,rec.answers,news.answers Subject: rec.music.classical.performing - FAQ Supersedes: <music/performing/faq_764040899@rtfm.mit.edu> Followup-To: poster Date: 16 Apr 1994 13:06:58 GMT Organization: Dept of Mathematics and Statistics, Edinburgh University, Scotland Lines: 548 Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu Expires: 28 May 1994 13:05:48 GMT Message-ID: <music/performing/faq_766501548@rtfm.mit.edu> NNTP-Posting-Host: bloom-picayune.mit.edu Summary: Frequently asked questions (and answers) for the newsgroup rec.music.classical.performing. Anyone wishing to post to the newsgroup should read both this FAQ and the article `Welcome to rec.music.classical.performing!' prior to doing so. X-Last-Updated: 1994/03/25 Originator: faqserv@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu rec.music.classical.performing:3607 rec.answers:4926 news.answers:18139 Archive-name: music/performing/faq Last-modified: 25 March 1994 Version: 1.8 Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers) for rec.music.classical.performing * This is a monthly posting which attempts to address some of the questions most frequently asked in rec.music.classical.performing. The term `FAQ' is used henceforth to refer to this posting. [Contributions to this FAQ are always welcome, whether they be complete articles or simply minor additions to one of the existing sections. Furthermore, corrections are always appreciated as it is desired to keep the FAQ up-to-date and error-free. To contribute in any way, simply send email to the address at the foot of the FAQ.] Contents 1. What is rec.music.classical.performing? 2. How do I post to rec.music.classical.performing? 3. Addresses of sheet music suppliers 4. Some suggestions for combating performance anxiety 5. Addresses of recommended instrument suppliers/manufacturers 6. Over-use Syndrome (tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.) | 7. Organisations for performers A. How to contribute to this FAQ Key: | changed, + added, - removed (since Version 1.7a) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. What is rec.music.classical.performing? Rec.music.classical.performing is a Usenet newsgroup intended for people who are involved in or interested in the performance of classical music (or closely-related genres), at any level and in any capacity. (If you are unsure what the terms `Usenet' and `newsgroup' mean, I suggest you read the articles in news.announce.newusers before reading any further - ask someone at your site if you have trouble finding this.) The fortnightly posting `Welcome to rec.music.classical.performing!' includes a more detailed charter for the newsgroup and it is strongly suggested that you read that article before posting anything to the group. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. How do I post to rec.music.classical.performing? Posting to rec.music.classical.performing is accomplished as for any other unmoderated newsgroup. It would be helpful if posters would bear in mind the following guidelines: - Always use an informative subject line; in particular, change the subject line on a thread which is going off-topic to something more appropriate. - Keep cross-posting to a minimum; make judicious use of the `Followup-To' field where cross-posting is necessary. - Edit quoted material to a minimum but, at the same time, keep articles as self-contained as possible. - Perhaps most importantly, take time to prepare an article before posting it to the net and ask yourself whether an email message may be more appropriate when replying to a previous article. These guidelines are generally applicable and part of standard `netiquette' (for further advice on posting, see the group news.announce.newusers.). Do not be discouraged from posting to rec.music.classical.performing! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Addresses of sheet music suppliers - in the Netherlands: Broekmans & Van Poppel { +31 20 6628084 PO Box 5228 { +31 20 6796575 1007 AE AMSTERDAM (large supplier of sheet music - have a shop at Van Baerlestraat 92-94, Amsterdam - specialise in Dutch contemporary music - carry everything from Donemus) - in the United Kingdom: Blackwell's Music Shop +44 (0) 865 792792 Holywell Street x4452 OXFORD (very good stock - if they don't have something, they will usually get it very quickly from the publisher - also stock CD's) - in the United States: Baxter Northrop Music 818/872-0756 14452 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, California Belmont Music (Schoenberg specialists) 310/454-1867 Byron Hoyt, California { 415/431-8055 { 1-800/477-8055 Concordia, St Louis, Missouri 1-800-325-3040 Dale Music 800/779-6874 Eble Music 319/338-0313 Euro-American, Rental Department 215/648-0506 Fleisher Collection 215/686-5316 Foreign Music Distributors 914/469-5790 Guitar Solo { 415/306-0395 1411 Clement Street { 415/386-7660 San Francisco, California 94118 (huge selection for classical guitar, including hundreds of pieces for guitar and other instruments) House of Musical Traditions { 301/270-9090 7040 Carroll Avenue { FAX 301/270-3010 Takoma Park, Maryland 20912 Jerona Music { 201/488-0550 { FAX 201/836-7927 Margo Muler 617/332-6398 Melody Lane { 800/696-8863 532 Ramona { 415/323-5791 Palo Alto, California Music Expresso 617/424-9322 Music Mart 800/545-6204 NY Public Library, Performing Arts Department 212/870-1625 Oxford University Press 800/334-4249 Patelsons, New York 212/582-5840 Philadelphia Public Library 215/686-5313 Presser's, Pennsylvania (?) 812/332-3306 Shar Music { 313/665-7711 { 800/248-7427 E.C. Shirmer 617/236-1935 Ward Music, Vancouver, British Columbia 604/682-5288 Steve Weiss Music { 215/329-1637 { 215/324-4355 (major dealer of music for percussion only - carries most of the significant solo repertoire - also a lot of method books, ensemble pieces and recordings) Yesterday Music Service 617/547-8263 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Some suggestions for combating performance anxiety [When the topic of performance anxiety was first raised in the newsgroup, a significant number of responses appeared in which various methods for overcoming stress were suggested. Only a few of those are represented here - if anyone notices any glaring omissions, please let me know. - SN] If you do not suffer particularly from performance anxiety, count yourself privileged. Anxiety in moderation can be a good thing, helping you to focus all your energy on the task in hand. Clearly, though, if you feel especially uncomfortable when playing or singing (or conducting...) in front of an audience, your performance will suffer. There are countless ways of coping with the stress of performing, some of which work better for some people than for others. Some have suggested pre-performance exercises of various sorts, from deep breathing to meditation to screaming (quietly if necessary!). Also suggested were longer-term techniques such as the Alexander Method. Many people suggested (temporary) dietary changes as a means of calming nerves prior to a performance. Indeed, one of the most popular remedies would appear to be the humble banana. Eat a couple of these before you perform and you'll have no problems (or so we are told). [I have forgotten the other dietary advice given in the original discussion - if anyone was taking notes, I'd be very grateful... - SN] Now for the serious stuff. A number of performers have advocated the use of various drugs as surefire ways of reducing/avoiding anxiety. While it is certainly true that drugs can be effective, it is equally true that their misuse can be highly dangerous. Never use anxiety reducing drugs unless medically directed. Beta-blockers, such as Inderol, regulate the body's production of adrenaline. These drugs are most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure or undiagnosed heart problems, their use can be fatal. Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, work by reducing inflammation through suppression of immune responses. A number of side-effects have been attributed to use of such drugs, including thinning of the skin and redistribution of fatty tissue. Short term use of these drugs (a few days to a couple of weeks) will not usually have such adverse effects, though, given the suppression of immune response, corticosteroids should never be taken when suffering from a bacterial or viral illness. A book on the subject of performance anxiety which comes highly recommended is `Stage Fright; its causes and cures, with special reference to violin playing' by Kato Havas. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Addresses of recommended instrument suppliers/manufacturers 5.1 General <no entries> 5.2 Piano - in the United States: Kalman Dietrich West 58th Street New York City (highly recommended rebuilder of pianos; fair pricing policy; museum in back of store) 5.3 Strings - in the Netherlands: Joseph Vedral +31 30 3605176 Molenstraat 19 2513 BH Den Haag The Netherlands (open Thu, Fri, Sat; literally thousands of violins, violas, 'cellos, double basses in all price ranges; appointment necessary; good trial facililties, both in the shop and at home; value for money) - in the United States: The Incredible String Shop { 508/287-4574 Shannon Strings { FAX 508/371-1810 127 Commerford Road Concord, Massachusetts 01742 (strings, accessories and instruments at good prices; orders usually shipped within 24 hours; catalogue available) 5.4 Woodwind - in Germany: J R Lafin 07621-49117 Lettenweg 9 7850 Lorrach (makes Boehm flutes, impressive head joints) Mehnert 07165-397 Ringstrasse 23-1 7321 Otterbach (recommended maker of Boehm flutes) - in the United Kingdom: T W Howarth ['phone number, anyone?] [side street name?] Baker Street LONDON (highly recommended for all reed instruments - new and second-hand sales, repairs, reeds etc., maker of instruments at all levels) - in the United States: Patrick Olwell home 804/361-9191 Box 117 shop 804/277-8709 Nellysford, Virginia 22958 (maker of Renaissance and Baroque flutes as well as Irish flutes - strongly recommended) 5.5 Brass <no entries> 5.6 Percussion - in the United States: Lone Star Percussion 214/340-0835 10611 Control Place Dallas, Texas 75238 (highly recommended for concert percussion) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Over-use Syndrome (tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.) There have been several articles in the newsgroup from people asking about dealing with pain during or after playing their instruments. Here's a brief description of some types of over-use syndrome and a few suggestions on what to do if you have pain. If you have pain while playing your instrument (or after playing), it might be related to what doctors now call `over-use syndrome.' This is caused by strain on muscles, ligaments and tendons causing swelling, which induces pain. One common type of `over-use syndrome' is tendonitis, caused by a swelling of the blood-vessel sheath surrounding tendons. For performers, this often occurs in your fingers, your hand, or your arm, or your shoulder. Tendonitis is common among musicians, typists, professional phone bank workers and assembly-line workers; the common denominator is work (or play) involving very repetitive motion in the fingers, hands or arms. Another, more specific, injury is carpal-tunnel syndrome (CTS). The carpal tunnel is a wrist `tunnel' formed on three sides by bone and the 4th side by a strong ligament (the Transverse Carpal Ligament, to be technical). There are nine tendons and the median nerve which travel through this tunnel. Each tendon is surrounded by a lubricating lining, called the synovium. CTS is caused by the compression of these tendons in the carpal tunnel, either by swelling of the synovium, injury to the bone or ligament, or by fluid retention. CTS should be treated by a doctor. There are several types of treatment for CTS, including surgery, but surgery is the last resort and should never be done on a musician without a second or third opinion. If you think you have tendonitis, there are several things you can do on your own to try to relieve it: i. If possible, stop practising for a day or two. Also try to avoid doing a lot of typing or other repetitive hand activity. If the pain persists after a couple of days, see a doctor. ii. Before practising, warm up your hands, wrists, arms with warm water or a heating pad on a low setting. Keep the affected area from getting cold while playing (say, from sitting under an air-conditioning duct). iii. While practising, stop frequently, put the instrument down (unless, obviously, you're a keyboard player) and relax. A slow warm-up session with several short rest periods can help relieve stress. iv. You can use an anti-inflammatory medication (such as Ibuprofen, also sold under such names as Nuprin, Advil, and others). A doctor can prescribe stronger medication. You may want to take Ibuprofen after eating to reduce stomach upset. Aspirin is slightly less effective than Ibuprofen, but works. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an anti-inflammatory drug. v. Right after playing, apply a cold pack or ice to the affected area. An ice cube massage right after playing can do wonders for tendonitis in the hand or fingers or arms. I have a large cold pack I keep in the freezer which I used to use for my shoulder. You can apply lots of cold for short periods of time, but don't go overboard and get frostbite. vi. Sometimes a hand brace can help by immobilising the hand, wrist, arm while not playing the instrument. vii. If you type a lot, say while writing messages for rec.music.classical.performing, use a wrist rest for your keyboard. They even make mouse wrist rests if you do a lot of mousing at the computer. Avoid computer games that call for a lot of typing or clicking. viii. Again, though, if the pain continues, seek a doctor's care. Cortisone shots, prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy and even surgery can be required. There are special medical clinics for performing musicians. [Andy Brandt has a list of such, a selection from which could be added to the FAQ if there is sufficient demand. -SN] ix. Tell your teacher. Perhaps there is a way to change your technique to relieve stress on a particular muscle or tendon. A doctor who is familiar with instrumental technique can analyse what is causing the problem and suggest solutions. Some doctors specialise in keyboard instruments, wind instruments, string instruments, etc. x. Try to stay in good general physical condition. Normal exercise can do a lot to prevent over-use. Many musicians, in school or later, often neglect their general physical (and mental) well-being. This information, based on personal research and experience, is not professional medical advice. If you want professional advice, seek a good physician. [Andy Brandt disclaims any liability for the accuracy of material contained in this article. Additional information and corrections, if any, are always welcome. -SN] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Organisations for performers - international: International Clarinet Society PO Box 7683 Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66207-0683 USA (3000 members) International Double Reed Society +1 319 343 5715 c/o Lowry Riggins 626 Lakeshore Drive Monroe, LA 71203-4032 USA (3000 members) International Horn Society +1 801 377 3026 c/o Ellen Powley 2220 North 1400 East Provo, Utah 84604 USA (3000 members) International Society of Bassists { +1 214 233 9107 4020 McEwen, Suite 105 { FAX +1 214 490 4219 Dallas, Texas 75244 USA (1600 members) International Steel Guitar Convention +1 314 427 7794 9535 Midland Boulevard St Louis, Missouri 63114 USA (2500 members) International Trombone Association +1 817 565 3720 c/o Vern Kagarice North Texas State University Music School Denton, Texas 76203 USA (2800 members) International Trumpet Guild +1 616 387 4700 Western Michigan University School of Music Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008 USA (4000 members) - in the United States: Amateur Chamber Music Players 545 Eighth Avenue New York City, New York 10018 (Not restricted to amateurs, the ACMP keeps a directory of people all over the USA interested in playing chamber music.) American Guild of Organists 212/870-2310 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260 New York City, New York 10115 (22,000 members) American Viola Society 805/255-0693 c/o Alan de Veritch 24883 Sage Crest Rd Newhall, California 91321 (1000 members) Guitar Foundation of America (Classical) c/o Gunnar Eisel PO Box 878 Claremont, California 91711 (2000 members) Lute Society of America 703/463-5812 PO Box 1328 Lexington, Virginia 24450 (700 members) National Flute Association 817/387-6626 c/o Myrna Brown 805 Laguna Denton, Texas 76201 (4500 members) North American Saxophone Alliance 301/292-3246 c/o Dale Underwood 13408 Piscataway Fort Washington, MD 20744 (900 members) Pedal Steel Guitar Association PO Box 248 Floral Park, New York 11001 (1200 members) Percussive Arts Society 405/353-1455 PO Box 25 Lawton, Oklahoma 73502 (5500 members) Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association 913/864-3174 c/o Scott Watson University of Kansas Department of Music Lawrence, Kansas 66045 (2700 members) Violin Society of America 718/849-1373 85-07 Abington Road Kew Gardens, New York 11415 (1300 members) Violoncello Society 212/246-3267 340 West 55th Street, 5-D New York City, New York 10019 (500 members) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A. How to contribute to this FAQ Contributions to this FAQ should be emailed to Sandy Nicholson at the address given below, as should any corrections, suggestions or queries directly related to this posting. Many thanks to the following for their contributions: Nicole de Beer, Mark Bitter, Kathie Fry, Terence T. Lung, Gene Ouye, John A. Polito II, Stephen Wilcox - for sheet music sources Greg Baker, Daniel Downey, Jonathan Helton, Nancy Leinonen Howells, Seth S. Katz, John Lewis - for advice on performance anxiety Nicole de Beer, Marlon Feld, Joris Geurts, Dale Gold, Cindi Roden, Stephen Wilcox, `Kipster' - for instrument suppliers Andy Brandt - for article on over-use syndrome Dale Gold - for performers' organisations Peggy Lin - for miscellaneous corrections -- Sandy Nicholson (S.Nicholson@edinburgh.ac.uk) Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Edinburgh University, Scotland