Staying Healthy as Pianist: Prevention of Movement Problems
Webinar with Prof. Dr. med. Eckart Altenmüller
EPTA Denmark proudly presents a webinar with Eckart Altenmüller, Director of the Institute of Music Physiology and Musician’s Medicine at the Hannover University of Music, Drama and Media.
Piano playing at a professional level is one of the most demanding and fascinating human experiences. It involves the precise execution of very fast and, in many instances, extremely complex movements that must be structured and coordinated with continuous auditory, somatosensory and visual feedback. Practicing prolonged time to meet these challenges may result in acute pain, chronic overuse syndromes, or movement problems, such as pianist’s dystonia.
In his talk, he will explain the mechanisms underlying these ailments and will show ways how to prevent or treat medical problems, concentrating on practice strategies and healthy mental attitudes.
Eckart Altenmüller (b. 1955) holds a Master's degree in Classical flute and MD and PhD degrees in Neurology and Neurophysiology. Since 1994, he has been the chair and director of the Institute of Music Physiology and Musicians' Medicine at the Hannover University of Music, Drama and Media. He continues to conduct research into movement disorders in musicians and motor, auditory, sensory learning, and emotions. Additionally, he directs an outpatient clinic for musicians. Moreover, he performs internationally as a member of several chamber music formations and as a soloist. From 2005 to 2011, he served as the President of the German Society of Music Physiology and Musicians' Medicine, and from 2015 to 2021, he was the Vice-president of the Hannover University of Music, Drama and Media. In 2013, he was awarded the prestigious Science Award of the Country of Lower Saxony, and in 2021, he received the Koetser Award for Brain Science in Switzerland.
The webinar takes place on Zoom and is free to all members of EPTA. Please register below to participate. Participants will receive a link a few days prior to the event.