BAPAM SCOTLAND: The Scottish branch of the above organisation
Scottish musicians can contact Patrice Berque (tel: 0141 419 0571 or 07766 687578, email: patrice.berque@btinternet.com) who will make an assessment free of charge (reimbursed by BAPAM) and if necessary refer to a Scottish practitioner with specialist expertise — including general practice, physiotherapy, osteopathy, homeopathy, neurology, rheumatology and counselling.
There are also a range of complementary therapies available, including yoga and Alexander Technique. Further treatment is provided at a reduced rate.
Patrice brings together his work with the Musicians' Union and BAPAM, and also his own research and published papers. There are advice sheets to download and links to other relevant sites
This is an excellent place which I can highly recommend from personal experience. It was established in 1992 by a physiotherapist who has a genuine interest in musicians' problems and who has assembled a group of dedicated therapists
Makers of orthopaedic implants in the U.S. Go to "Products," scroll down the page and click on the "Avanta.org Surgical Techniques" link to get to the Avanta Orthopaedics site. Select "Products" to find info about their joint implants. To read about their thumb joint replacements, see
Contributions From Visitors
This is a ‘must visit’ site for guitarists by Peter Inglis,
a teacher who combines interests in ergonomics, Alexander Technique and dance. His book, “Guitar Playing and how it works” is very highly recommended. You can order a copy from the website. You can also hear sound bites of the author’s playing
The website of the author of the wonderful book, "Indirect Procedures." Pedro de Alcantara studied cello with
Aldo Parisot and William Pleeth and has taught Alexander Technique under the supervision of Dr Wilfred Barlow
A large proportion of injuries are suffered by people with smaller hands playing keyboards that are
too large for them. The piano is designed for large Caucasian males. This site shows how you can have a 7/8
sized keyboard fitted to your own piano
Elizabeth Andrews: "Healthy Practice for Musicians": Rhinegold Publishing Ltd:
ISBN 0-946890-73-0
This is an excellent book by an experienced viola/violinist (played in ensemble with
Jaqueline du Pre) and with a BSc in chiropractic and psychology
Barbara Paull & Christine Harrison: "The Athletic Musician": Scarecrow Press, Inc:
ISBN 0-8108-3356-5
Barbara Paull is a physiotherapist and Christine Harrison a
freelance violinist and teacher who suffered from career-stopping shoulder pain. Together they have
written a book which is very informative and readable with particularly good advice on how to take
care of your shoulders and back
Ian Winspur & Christopher B Wynn Parry:
"The Musician's Hand - A Clinical Guide":
Martin Dunitz: ISBN 1-85317-492-0
This is an extremely useful book by two of the leading figures in musicians'
health. It is aimed equally at musicians, surgeons and physiotherapists
Barry Green with W. Timothy Gallwey: "The Inner Game of Music":
Pan: ISBN 0-330-30017-2
This highly recommended book is a much needed addition to guitar teaching literature, and deals with ergonomics (with reference to Alexander Technique and dance movement), sound production and a wide range of styles.
Pedro de Alcantara: "Indirect Procedures":
Oxford: ISBN 0-19-816569-2
An extremely enlightened book, showing the application of Alexander Technique to musical performance.
To quote Sir Colin Davis: "There is much wisdom here in this book, along with some great quotations, many photographs,
and exhaustive analyses of the aims and applications of Alexander's discoveries."
Visit Pedro de Alcantara's website - http://www.pedrodealcantara.com
