Background: Musicians frequently experience playing or performance-related injuries resulting from the long hours of practice necessary to achieve success in their field. Yet young musicians are rarely made aware that, much less encouraged to consider, physical fitness is an integral component of their musical development. The purpose of this study was to determine professional musicians’ attitudes towards aerobic and strength training as it relates to their own musical practice.Methods: Sixty-seven (67) professional musicians, instructors and college-aged music students responded to an anonymous, online survey. Respondents provided feedback about the instruments they played, their years of experience as a performer, and, if applicable, as an instructor. They also described their current exercise routines, including the type and frequency of exercises. Lastly, respondents described their own injuries caused by, or that interfered with, their musical practice, and the rehabilitation required for healing. Results: 82% of the respondents stated that they believed aerobic and muscular fitness were important to their work as musicians. Of that 82%, 81% indicated that they typically exercised at least 2 times per week. However, only 43%, or 16 of the 37 instructors, indicated that they suggest cardio and/or strength training to their students.Conclusion: Integrating a regular physical fitness routine into a young musician’s regular practice has the potential to prevent or minimize the risk of performance-related injuries. Future research related to the introduction of regular physical exercise into adolescent and teen musicians may lead to young musicians considering their physical health an integral part of their overall musical practice.
