Publication Date

2017-05-01

Availability

Open access

Embargo Period

2017-05-01

Degree Type

Doctoral Essay

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

Studio Music and Jazz (Music)

Date of Defense

2017-04-06

First Committee Member

John Daversa

Second Committee Member

Dante Luciani

Third Committee Member

Donald Coffman

Fourth Committee Member

Timothy Conner

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to provide rehabilitation strategies for brass musicians with focal task-specific embouchure dystonia. These strategies are based on common techniques used by those who have experienced success retraining their embouchure. There will also be a discussion of pertinent scientific research regarding the focus of attention during the learning process. The goal of rehabilitation is to provide a means of reducing unnecessary tension, restore a healthy airstream, and allow unconscious movements in the embouchure to accommodate the airstream. This will allow brass musicians to focus on sound rather than body mechanics. This essay was inspired by my own struggle with focal task-specific embouchure dystonia.

Keywords

focal dystonia; brass; breathing; embouchure; rehabilitation

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