Internet Info 1994 March/Internet Info CD-ROM (Walnut Creek) (March 1994).iso/answers/rec/music/performing/faq

Internet Message Format | 1994-04-16 | 23KB

Path: bloom-beacon.mit.edu!senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!faqserv
From: Sandy Nicholson <[e-mail]>
Newsgroups: rec.music.classical.performing,rec.answers,news.answers
Subject: rec.music.classical.performing - FAQ
Supersedes: <music/performing/[e-mail]>
Followup-To: poster
Date: 16 Apr 1994 13:06:58 GMT
Organization: Dept of Mathematics and Statistics, Edinburgh University, Scotland
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Approved: [e-mail]
Expires: 28 May 1994 13:05:48 GMT
Message-ID: <music/performing/[e-mail]>
NNTP-Posting-Host: bloom-picayune.mit.edu
Summary: Frequently asked questions (and answers) for the newsgroup
 rec.music.classical.performing. Anyone wishing to post to the
 newsgroup should read both this FAQ and the article `Welcome
 to rec.music.classical.performing!' prior to doing so.
X-Last-Updated: 1994/03/25
Originator: [e-mail]
Xref: bloom-beacon.mit.edu rec.music.classical.performing:3607 rec.answers:4926 news.answers:18139

Archive-name: music/performing/faq
Last-modified: 25 March 1994
Version: 1.8

               Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)
                                 for
                    rec.music.classical.performing

 * This is a monthly posting which attempts to address some of the
   questions most frequently asked in rec.music.classical.performing.
   The term `FAQ' is used henceforth to refer to this posting.

   [Contributions to this FAQ are always welcome, whether they be
   complete articles or simply minor additions to one of the existing
   sections. Furthermore, corrections are always appreciated as it is
   desired to keep the FAQ up-to-date and error-free. To contribute
   in any way, simply send email to the address at the foot of the
   FAQ.]


                               Contents

       1. What is rec.music.classical.performing?
       2. How do I post to rec.music.classical.performing?
       3. Addresses of sheet music suppliers
       4. Some suggestions for combating performance anxiety
       5. Addresses of recommended instrument suppliers/manufacturers
       6. Over-use Syndrome (tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.)
     | 7. Organisations for performers
       A. How to contribute to this FAQ

                  Key: | changed, + added, - removed
                            (since Version 1.7a)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. What is rec.music.classical.performing?

   Rec.music.classical.performing is a Usenet newsgroup intended for
   people who are involved in or interested in the performance of
   classical music (or closely-related genres), at any level and in
   any capacity. (If you are unsure what the terms `Usenet' and
   `newsgroup' mean, I suggest you read the articles in
   news.announce.newusers before reading any further - ask someone
   at your site if you have trouble finding this.) The fortnightly
   posting `Welcome to rec.music.classical.performing!' includes a
   more detailed charter for the newsgroup and it is strongly
   suggested that you read that article before posting anything to
   the group.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

2. How do I post to rec.music.classical.performing?

   Posting to rec.music.classical.performing is accomplished as for
   any other unmoderated newsgroup. It would be helpful if posters
   would bear in mind the following guidelines:

   - Always use an informative subject line; in particular, change
     the subject line on a thread which is going off-topic to
     something more appropriate.

   - Keep cross-posting to a minimum; make judicious use of the
     `Followup-To' field where cross-posting is necessary.

   - Edit quoted material to a minimum but, at the same time, keep
     articles as self-contained as possible.

   - Perhaps most importantly, take time to prepare an article
     before posting it to the net and ask yourself whether an email
     message may be more appropriate when replying to a previous
     article.

   These guidelines are generally applicable and part of standard
   `netiquette' (for further advice on posting, see the group
   news.announce.newusers.). Do not be discouraged from posting to
   rec.music.classical.performing!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Addresses of sheet music suppliers

   - in the Netherlands:
        Broekmans & Van Poppel                   {   [phone]
        PO Box 5228                              {   [phone]
        1007 AE AMSTERDAM
        (large supplier of sheet music - have a shop at Van
         Baerlestraat 92-94, Amsterdam - specialise in Dutch
         contemporary music - carry everything from Donemus)

   - in the United Kingdom:
        Blackwell's Music Shop                   [phone]
        Holywell Street                                       x4452
        OXFORD
        (very good stock - if they don't have something, they
         will usually get it very quickly from the publisher
         - also stock CD's)

   - in the United States:
        Baxter Northrop Music                          818/872-0756
        14452 Ventura Boulevard
        Sherman Oaks, California

        Belmont Music (Schoenberg specialists)         310/454-1867
        Byron Hoyt, California                   {     415/431-8055
                                                 {   1-800/477-8055
        Concordia, St Louis, Missouri                1-800-325-3040
        Dale Music                                     800/779-6874
        Eble Music                                     319/338-0313
        Euro-American, Rental Department               215/648-0506
        Fleisher Collection                            215/686-5316
        Foreign Music Distributors                     914/469-5790

        Guitar Solo                              {     415/306-0395
        1411 Clement Street                      {     415/386-7660
        San Francisco, California 94118
        (huge selection for classical guitar, including
         hundreds of pieces for guitar and other instruments)

        House of Musical Traditions              {     301/270-9090
        7040 Carroll Avenue                      { FAX [phone]
        Takoma Park, Maryland 20912

        Jerona Music                             {     201/488-0550
                                                 { FAX [phone]

        Margo Muler                                    617/332-6398

        Melody Lane                              {     800/696-8863
        532 Ramona                               {     415/323-5791
        Palo Alto, California

        Music Expresso                                 617/424-9322
        Music Mart                                     800/545-6204
        NY Public Library, Performing Arts Department  212/870-1625
        Oxford University Press                        800/334-4249
        Patelsons, New York                            212/582-5840
        Philadelphia Public Library                    215/686-5313
        Presser's, Pennsylvania (?)                    812/332-3306

        Shar Music                               {     313/665-7711
                                                 {     800/248-7427

        E.C. Shirmer                                   617/236-1935
        Ward Music, Vancouver, British Columbia        604/682-5288

        Steve Weiss Music                        {     215/329-1637
                                                 {     215/324-4355
        (major dealer of music for percussion only - carries
         most of the significant solo repertoire - also a lot
         of method books, ensemble pieces and recordings)

        Yesterday Music Service                        617/547-8263


----------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Some suggestions for combating performance anxiety

   [When the topic of performance anxiety was first raised in the
   newsgroup, a significant number of responses appeared in which
   various methods for overcoming stress were suggested. Only a few
   of those are represented here - if anyone notices any glaring
   omissions, please let me know. - SN]

   If you do not suffer particularly from performance anxiety,
   count yourself privileged. Anxiety in moderation can be a good
   thing, helping you to focus all your energy on the task in hand.
   Clearly, though, if you feel especially uncomfortable when
   playing or singing (or conducting...) in front of an audience,
   your performance will suffer.

   There are countless ways of coping with the stress of performing,
   some of which work better for some people than for others. Some
   have suggested pre-performance exercises of various sorts, from
   deep breathing to meditation to screaming (quietly if necessary!).
   Also suggested were longer-term techniques such as the Alexander
   Method.

   Many people suggested (temporary) dietary changes as a means of
   calming nerves prior to a performance. Indeed, one of the most
   popular remedies would appear to be the humble banana. Eat a
   couple of these before you perform and you'll have no problems
   (or so we are told). [I have forgotten the other dietary advice
   given in the original discussion - if anyone was taking notes,
   I'd be very grateful... - SN]

   Now for the serious stuff. A number of performers have advocated
   the use of various drugs as surefire ways of reducing/avoiding
   anxiety. While it is certainly true that drugs can be effective,
   it is equally true that their misuse can be highly dangerous.
   Never use anxiety reducing drugs unless medically directed.

   Beta-blockers, such as Inderol, regulate the body's production of
   adrenaline. These drugs are most commonly used to treat high
   blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure or undiagnosed
   heart problems, their use can be fatal.

   Corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, work by reducing inflammation
   through suppression of immune responses. A number of side-effects
   have been attributed to use of such drugs, including thinning
   of the skin and redistribution of fatty tissue. Short term use
   of these drugs (a few days to a couple of weeks) will not usually
   have such adverse effects, though, given the suppression of
   immune response, corticosteroids should never be taken when
   suffering from a bacterial or viral illness.

   A book on the subject of performance anxiety which comes highly
   recommended is `Stage Fright; its causes and cures, with special
   reference to violin playing' by Kato Havas.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Addresses of recommended instrument suppliers/manufacturers

   5.1 General <no entries>

   5.2 Piano

   - in the United States:
        Kalman Dietrich
        West 58th Street
        New York City
        (highly recommended rebuilder of pianos;
         fair pricing policy; museum in back of store)

   5.3 Strings

   - in the Netherlands:
        Joseph Vedral                                [phone]
        Molenstraat 19
        2513 BH  Den Haag
        The Netherlands
        (open Thu, Fri, Sat; literally thousands of violins,
         violas, 'cellos, double basses in all price ranges;
         appointment necessary; good trial facililties, both
         in the shop and at home; value for money)

   - in the United States:
        The Incredible String Shop               {     508/287-4574
        Shannon Strings                          { FAX [phone]
        127 Commerford Road
        Concord, Massachusetts 01742
        (strings, accessories and instruments at good prices;
         orders usually shipped within 24 hours; catalogue
         available)

   5.4 Woodwind

   - in Germany:
        J R Lafin                                       07621-49117
        Lettenweg 9
        7850 Lorrach
        (makes Boehm flutes, impressive head joints)

        Mehnert                                         07165-397
        Ringstrasse 23-1
        7321 Otterbach
        (recommended maker of Boehm flutes)

   - in the United Kingdom:
        T W Howarth                        ['phone number, anyone?]
        [side street name?]
        Baker Street
        LONDON
        (highly recommended for all reed instruments -
         new and second-hand sales, repairs, reeds etc.,
         maker of instruments at all levels)

   - in the United States:
        Patrick Olwell                           home  804/361-9191
        Box 117                                  shop  804/277-8709
        Nellysford, Virginia 22958
        (maker of Renaissance and Baroque flutes as well
         as Irish flutes - strongly recommended)

   5.5 Brass <no entries>

   5.6 Percussion

   - in the United States:
        Lone Star Percussion                           214/340-0835
        10611 Control Place
        Dallas, Texas 75238
        (highly recommended for concert percussion)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Over-use Syndrome (tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.)

   There have been several articles in the newsgroup from
   people asking about dealing with pain during or after
   playing their instruments. Here's a brief description of
   some types of over-use syndrome and a few suggestions on
   what to do if you have pain.

   If you have pain while playing your instrument (or after
   playing), it might be related to what doctors now call
   `over-use syndrome.' This is caused by strain on muscles,
   ligaments and tendons causing swelling, which induces pain.
   One common type of `over-use syndrome' is tendonitis, caused
   by a swelling of the blood-vessel sheath surrounding tendons.
   For performers, this often occurs in your fingers, your
   hand, or your arm, or your shoulder. Tendonitis is common
   among musicians, typists, professional phone bank workers
   and assembly-line workers; the common denominator is work
   (or play) involving very repetitive motion in the fingers,
   hands or arms.

   Another, more specific, injury is carpal-tunnel syndrome
   (CTS). The carpal tunnel is a wrist `tunnel' formed on
   three sides by bone and the 4th side by a strong ligament
   (the Transverse Carpal Ligament, to be technical). There
   are nine tendons and the median nerve which travel through
   this tunnel. Each tendon is surrounded by a lubricating
   lining, called the synovium. CTS is caused by the compression
   of these tendons in the carpal tunnel, either by swelling
   of the synovium, injury to the bone or ligament, or by
   fluid retention. CTS should be treated by a doctor. There
   are several types of treatment for CTS, including surgery,
   but surgery is the last resort and should never be done on
   a musician without a second or third opinion.

   If you think you have tendonitis, there are several things
   you can do on your own to try to relieve it:

   i. If possible, stop practising for a day or two. Also try
   to avoid doing a lot of typing or other repetitive hand
   activity. If the pain persists after a couple of days,
   see a doctor.

   ii. Before practising, warm up your hands, wrists, arms
   with warm water or a heating pad on a low setting. Keep
   the affected area from getting cold while playing (say,
   from sitting under an air-conditioning duct).

   iii. While practising, stop frequently, put the instrument
   down (unless, obviously, you're a keyboard player) and
   relax. A slow warm-up session with several short rest
   periods can help relieve stress.

   iv. You can use an anti-inflammatory medication (such as
   Ibuprofen, also sold under such names as Nuprin, Advil,
   and others). A doctor can prescribe stronger medication.
   You may want to take Ibuprofen after eating to reduce
   stomach upset. Aspirin is slightly less effective than
   Ibuprofen, but works. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an
   anti-inflammatory drug.

   v. Right after playing, apply a cold pack or ice to the
   affected area. An ice cube massage right after playing can
   do wonders for tendonitis in the hand or fingers or arms.
   I have a large cold pack I keep in the freezer which I used
   to use for my shoulder. You can apply lots of cold for
   short periods of time, but don't go overboard and get
   frostbite.

   vi. Sometimes a hand brace can help by immobilising the
   hand, wrist, arm while not playing the instrument.

   vii. If you type a lot, say while writing messages for
   rec.music.classical.performing, use a wrist rest for your
   keyboard. They even make mouse wrist rests if you do a
   lot of mousing at the computer. Avoid computer games that
   call for a lot of typing or clicking.

   viii. Again, though, if the pain continues, seek a doctor's
   care. Cortisone shots, prescription anti-inflammatory
   drugs, physical therapy and even surgery can be required.
   There are special medical clinics for performing musicians.
   [Andy Brandt has a list of such, a selection from which
    could be added to the FAQ if there is sufficient demand. -SN]

   ix. Tell your teacher. Perhaps there is a way to change
   your technique to relieve stress on a particular muscle or
   tendon. A doctor who is familiar with instrumental technique
   can analyse what is causing the problem and suggest solutions.
   Some doctors specialise in keyboard instruments, wind
   instruments, string instruments, etc.

   x. Try to stay in good general physical condition. Normal
   exercise can do a lot to prevent over-use. Many musicians,
   in school or later, often neglect their general physical
   (and mental) well-being.

   This information, based on personal research and experience,
   is not professional medical advice. If you want professional
   advice, seek a good physician.

   [Andy Brandt disclaims any liability for the accuracy of
    material contained in this article. Additional information
    and corrections, if any, are always welcome. -SN]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Organisations for performers

   - international:
        International Clarinet Society
        PO Box 7683
        Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66207-0683
        USA
        (3000 members)

        International Double Reed Society           [phone]
        c/o Lowry Riggins
        626 Lakeshore Drive
        Monroe, LA 71203-4032
        USA
        (3000 members)

        International Horn Society                  [phone]
        c/o Ellen Powley
        2220 North 1400 East
        Provo, Utah 84604
        USA
        (3000 members)

        International Society of Bassists     {     [phone]
        4020 McEwen, Suite 105                { FAX [phone]
        Dallas, Texas 75244
        USA
        (1600 members)

        International Steel Guitar Convention       [phone]
        9535 Midland Boulevard
        St Louis, Missouri 63114
        USA
        (2500 members)

        International Trombone Association          [phone]
        c/o Vern Kagarice
        North Texas State University
        Music School
        Denton, Texas 76203
        USA
        (2800 members)

        International Trumpet Guild                 [phone]
        Western Michigan University
        School of Music
        Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008
        USA
        (4000 members)

   - in the United States:
        Amateur Chamber Music Players
        545 Eighth Avenue
        New York City, New York 10018
        (Not restricted to amateurs, the ACMP keeps a directory
         of people all over the USA interested in playing
         chamber music.)

        American Guild of Organists                    212/870-2310
        475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260
        New York City, New York 10115
        (22,000 members)

        American Viola Society                         805/255-0693
        c/o Alan de Veritch
        24883 Sage Crest Rd
        Newhall, California 91321
        (1000 members)

        Guitar Foundation of America (Classical)
        c/o Gunnar Eisel
        PO Box 878
        Claremont, California 91711
        (2000 members)

        Lute Society of America                        703/463-5812
        PO Box 1328
        Lexington, Virginia 24450
        (700 members)

        National Flute Association                     817/387-6626
        c/o Myrna Brown
        805 Laguna
        Denton, Texas 76201
        (4500 members)

        North American Saxophone Alliance              301/292-3246
        c/o Dale Underwood
        13408 Piscataway
        Fort Washington, MD 20744
        (900 members)

        Pedal Steel Guitar Association
        PO Box 248
        Floral Park, New York 11001
        (1200 members)

        Percussive Arts Society                        405/353-1455
        PO Box 25
        Lawton, Oklahoma 73502
        (5500 members)

        Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association      913/864-3174
        c/o Scott Watson
        University of Kansas
        Department of Music
        Lawrence, Kansas 66045
        (2700 members)

        Violin Society of America                      718/849-1373
        85-07 Abington Road
        Kew Gardens, New York 11415
        (1300 members)

        Violoncello Society                            212/246-3267
        340 West 55th Street, 5-D
        New York City, New York 10019
        (500 members)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

A. How to contribute to this FAQ

   Contributions to this FAQ should be emailed to Sandy Nicholson
   at the address given below, as should any corrections, suggestions
   or queries directly related to this posting.

   Many thanks to the following for their contributions:

      Nicole de Beer, Mark Bitter, Kathie Fry, Terence T. Lung,
      Gene Ouye, John A. Polito II, Stephen Wilcox
       - for sheet music sources

      Greg Baker, Daniel Downey, Jonathan Helton,
      Nancy Leinonen Howells, Seth S. Katz, John Lewis
       - for advice on performance anxiety

      Nicole de Beer, Marlon Feld, Joris Geurts, Dale Gold,
      Cindi Roden, Stephen Wilcox, `Kipster'
       - for instrument suppliers

      Andy Brandt
       - for article on over-use syndrome

      Dale Gold
       - for performers' organisations

      Peggy Lin
       - for miscellaneous corrections

--
Sandy Nicholson ([e-mail])
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Edinburgh University, Scotland