Sound Off: What Are The Hazards In The Music Industry?

In the current business landscape, prioritizing health and safety is just as important as managing finances, taxes, employing staff, sales, and production. Becoming a full-time, well-paid artist or songwriter is a dangerous affair – there are obstacles that you mustn’t only manage but also overcome. You come across risk as an employee or a freelancer/self-employed player for a venue or a producer, and it’s important to note that each individual is responsible for avoiding risk and preventing injuries themselves, though no one person is solely responsible. Why? Because it’s simply too big of a task. 

The Types Of Risk You Should Consider In Your Work Setting As A Musician

Here are several types of risk to look for as you evaluate your standing:

Physical Hazards

Anyone who engages in musical performance, especially those who play instruments, has the potential to suffer injury related to that activity. Musicians are at risk of repetitive motion injuries like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis. If they’re also computer users, performers risk great pain, disability, and even the end of their careers. 

Fire

When undertaking one-off gigs and engagements, artists must be familiar with the venue’s emergency fire evacuation procedures. Fire exit doors must never be locked with a key or padlock while the building is in use, and gangways and hallways should be kept clear.   

Security

Experiencing a theft is a stressful experience. Musicians must take appropriate precautions to keep their instruments or personal belongings safe at a venue. Unattended means you can’t see an item and aren’t able to prevent it from being taken. 

Safeguarding

Performers often expose themselves to danger and harm, and having first aid training definitely helps save lives. When emergencies arise during a concert or a festival, the response should be swift and effective. 

Sound

Artists can experience tinnitus, which can occur without hearing loss, and there’s no known cure, only treatments to help manage the symptoms. Those exposed to high decibel levels on a regular basis should wear earplugs to protect their hearing and support performance. 

Comfort

Musicians work in the morning or at night, including on weekends and often major holidays. They spend hours in the same position, and poor posture can quickly lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain, which may require surgical treatment. Muscle fatigue makes it harder to sustain playing for prolonged periods. Continuing to strain the overused muscles may eventually cause them to become injured. 

As we sit back and enjoy the music, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that performers may be suffering for our sake in order to bring us pleasure.

Having Stated These Problems, What Are The Solutions? Let’s Find Out! 

Every working environment is different, so it’s paramount for musicians to consider the hazards that might arise and take action to minimize risk. Injuries and illnesses can afflict professional and amateur musicians alike, and while not life-threatening, they can deprive someone of their chosen way of making a living. Performers are entitled to the same workplace safety protections as other workers, so if an accident was caused by negligence, they may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages. The law ensures employees receive compensation in the form of benefits, that is, monetary or non-monetary rewards in exchange for their pain and suffering. 

Here’s a list of tips you should incorporate in your daily routine: 

• Evaluate and refine your technique: Mastery of technique makes it possible to execute music correctly and expressively. Your technique is inadequate when injuries are prevalent. In addition to avoiding fixes and tense positions, you should reduce force and use large muscle groups when possible. 
• Always warm up: Before diving into rehearsing or performing, you should warm up to loosen your fingers. Do some simple stretches and maybe a few push-ups. If you’re feeling really brave, you can do bodyweight squats, adding other factors like tempo, load, and more. 
• Take active breaks throughout the day: take longer breaks where you keep away from your instrument so your mind can refresh and reset. Two or more rehearsals are more productive than a marathon, so find opportunities to relax. 
• Check out your instrument: Playing the trombone has the highest rate of injury. The left-hand position, in particular, is unnatural and can lead to chronic pain. A good setup makes for easier playing and optimal sound, so ensure your instrument is set to relieve pressure on hands, joints, etc. 
• Get medical attention: At times, injuries can be dealt with without seeking medical attention. Examples include cuts, scrapes, and burns. You need to seek immediate care for fractures, dislocations, or deep cuts. The doctor may prescribe a minor adjustment or stipulate not performing for a while. 

Musicians Are Generally Assumed To Be At Elevated Risk For Mental Health Issues 

We couldn’t finish without mentioning mental illness. Artists from multiple genres have used their social media accounts to talk about depression, bipolar disorder, and more, opening up about their own struggles and mechanisms for coping. Popular culture idolizes the idea of the “tortured genius“, which claims that great art comes from great pain. The torment shouldn’t be part of the gift. Not only are musicians prone to suicide and overdoses, but they also struggle with anxiety and other psychiatric conditions. Recognizing the need for help is pivotal on the path to recovery, leading to a healthier life. 

The working conditions of the music industry can aggravate pre-existing psychological difficulties, affecting a person’s ability to enjoy their work and do their job well. Action to address mental health should be done with the meaningful involvement of performers and their representatives, and those with a lived experience of mental health conditions. Protecting mental health comes down to augmenting capacities to identify and act on changes in emotion, thinking, and behavior. Equally important is to build skills to manage stress, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and eliminating stressors. 

Wrapping It Up 

Being an artist is a strenuous activity and can sometimes lead to injury or illness. Do everything within your power to enjoy the fruits of your labor.