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Ten DON'Ts For Pain Free Playing
(adapted from Janet Horvath)
Compliments of Steve's Accordion Shop (330) 332-1111
  1. DON'T IGNORE PAIN: Stop playing, ice the area, and take some time off.  Try to analyze what may have caused the problem and return to playing slowly!

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  2. DON'T BE OVERZEALOUS: Don't practice for hours non-stop.  Consistency is more important than music "marathons".

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  3. DON'T PRACTICE MINDLESSLY: Plan what you want to practice ahead of time and record what you play.  Concentrate on problem areas and work methodically on those.

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  4. DON'T IGNORE CHEWED UP FINGERS: Callouses, blisters, and split fingers are signs of excessive or improper use.  Adjust actions on stringed instruments and use only the pressure necessary to produce the desired tone.  Hand percussionists should use hand lotion daily and consider taping their fingers.

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  5. DON'T DO TOO MUCH AFTER TAKING TIME OFF: Work back into a full schedule slowly, playing several short periods per day than one long session.

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  6. DON'T SAY YES TO EVERYTHING: Playing out five times a week plus lessons, jam sessions, and classes is asking for trouble - both your playing and your body will suffer.

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  7. DON'T CRAM: Allow enough time to prepare for auditions or recitals.  Sight reading causes your movements to be awkward and jerky.

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  8. DON'T IGNORE THE CONDITIONS AROUND YOU:  Set up as comfortably as possible with enough space to play unrestricted.  Adjust your music stand to allow you to play with good posture and lighting.  Use your own chair and footrest.  Don't wear tight clothes or jewelry.  Avoid cold environments and drafts.

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  9. DON'T ABUSE DRUGS: Cocaine and nicotine both impair your circulation, affecting your performance as well as your health.  Remember, great musicians who take drugs are great in spite of their drug problems.

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  10. DON'T PANIC IF SOMETHING HURTS: Minor aches and pains are inevitable. Ice and a day off are usually all that's needed.  Serious injuries are rare if you recognize the body's warning signals.