Peabody’s commitment to excellence in the art and craft of musical performance has always been predicated upon music-making at the highest level and for a lifetime. Injury prevention education and movement training are integrated into studio and ensemble coursework and provided through somatic courses in disciplines such as Alexander Technique and yoga. In addition, an interdisciplinary team from across Johns Hopkins and the field of performing arts medicine has developed several programs and curricula focusing specifically on injury prevention training and education.

Peak Performance Fundamentals offers a series of presentations and interactive workshops to all Conservatory students, beginning during their first week on campus. The sessions are designed to give students the foundational tools they need to monitor, protect, and enhance their own mental and physical health as performers. The programming also effectively establishes the conversation about performer wellness and injury, de-stigmatizing the topic and connecting students to important resources and expertise.

For a deeper dive available to both Peabody students and others, Peabody Online offers both credit-bearing and non-credit formats of a groundbreaking new curriculum called Playing Well. Playing Well introduces a range of occupational health issues specific to the needs of instrumental musicians and provides practical, scientifically grounded approaches to peak performance. As athletes of the “small muscles,” musicians need knowledge of anatomy and principles of movement; common performance-related injuries and their treatments; and rehabilitation and prevention strategies. Additionally, all performing artists need strategies for mental fitness and peak performance. This body of critical occupational health information provides musicians with “operating instructions” for their own bodies, introduces core principles of wellness and injury prevention, and fosters the development of awareness and self-study for lifelong performance health.

A curated list of reading and resources on subjects including performance anxiety, hearing protection, injury prevention for instrumentalists, voice care, and healthy computer use allows students, alumni, and others to access additional information specific to their interests and concerns.