Ten DON'Ts For Pain Free Playing
(adapted from Janet Horvath)
Compliments of Steve's Accordion Shop (330) 332-1111
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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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DON'T BE OVERZEALOUS: Don't practice for hours non-stop.
Consistency is more important than music "marathons".
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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