Presentation on a study that investigated the prevalence, intensity, frequency, and quality of musculoskeletal pain as well as performance anxiety and identify factors among clarinet players and instructors. Some results of the study are discussed along with implications for performers, educators, and student-musicians. It was presented at the International Clarinet Association Conference held in July 2019.

Poster presenting results of a study that characterizes clarinet specific health problems such as site-specific pain, non-musculoskeletal issues, performance anxiety, and related variables including instrument type, use of neck-strap, educational attainment, musician identity, and other lifestyle and performance-related factors. An online survey specifically for clarinetists was developed using techniques adopted from a recent study of trombonists (interactive body maps, skip logic, etc.). In addition to clarinetists being underrepresented in previous epidemiologic research, previous studies did not consider the lower lip as being a potential pain site despite clarinet pedagogues mentioning this concern, proliferation of commercial products to help clarinetists manage lip pain, and the lip being a primary contact point between the instrument and the body. Consistent with findings from Thrasher and Chesky, clarinetists in this study also reported musculoskeletal problems in the right wrist area.