Proper chairs for music programs: sitting, playing and staying healthy
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Proper chairs for music programs:
sitting, playing and staying healthy
By:
INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION
Nicholas Quarrier
By Nicholas Quarrier, Ithaca College
Clinical Associate Professor
Increasing Focus on Student Wellness, School of Physical Therapy
Environment Ithaca College
The overall healthfulness of the educational experience and school Ithaca, New York
environment for students today – of all ages – is carefully monitored,
regulated and legislated. For elementary and secondary students, the Jodi Tuthill
goal is to promote healthy, well-adjusted children who can fully focus
Market Manager
on the learning process and receive maximum benefits from our
Wenger Corporation
society’s investment in education. If these children later pursue
Owatonna, Minnesota
post-secondary education, their objectives will include increased know-
ledge, focused career/vocational training and further preparation for
“real world” responsibilities.
For school facilities and campuses, concerns over violent crime and
indoor air quality are just a few issues that make headlines across the
country. For student wellness, topics such as nutrition, obesity and
physical activity are important concerns of parents, teachers and
administrators. The foundation for a healthy lifestyle is established –
or undermined – during these formative years.
And there is cause for concern about student wellness. Since the
1970s, the prevalence of overweight children has more than doubled
for preschoolers ages 2-5 and adolescents ages 12-19, and it has more
than tripled for children 6-11 years.1
These trends are echoed among adults. According to a U.S. govern-
ment web site, obesity rates have increased by more than 60 percent
among adults over the past 10 years, with 61 percent of the U.S. adult
population in 1999 classified as either overweight or obese.2
And as American students are getting heavier, so are their school
backpacks. This excessive weight has received criticism for causing
discomfort and pain for younger students. In a 2001 U.S. study, 6 out
of 10 students ages 9 to 20 reported chronic back pain related to
heavy backpacks. Among students who carried backpacks weighing
15 percent of their body weight or less, only 2 in 10 reported pain.3
The American Occupational Therapy Association warns that “improper
backpack use leads not only to back pain in youths but also impedes
proper physiological growth and functions.”4PA G E 2
Music Students Also Feeling Pain high rate of speed for prolonged periods of time, are
Although currently out of the media spotlight, school required to play a musical instrument. Instrumental or wind
music students have their own unique aches and pains. musicians must partially or completely support the weight
Half of high-level secondary orchestra musicians in one of a musical instrument weighing anywhere from 2 to 75
study complained of pain associated with playing their pounds. With certain instruments -- such as trombone,
instrument, and 17 percent described the pain as more strings and percussion – a significant amount of arm
than minimal.5 motion is also involved. Finger dexterity, fine and gross
motor skills and coordination are also required.
In another study, almost 80 percent of secondary-age
students believed that pain is acceptable in overcoming Psychological endurance is also necessary, as musicians
technical problems. 6
The survey’s author, Dr. Alan strive for perfection to please the teacher, conductor,
Lockwood, surmises that this “no pain, no gain” philosophy audience or self.
may be related, in part, to typical teenage feelings of invin-
Musicians must often maintain a relatively static, seated
cibility. Female musicians in Lockwood’s study reported
position for extended periods of time. Certain instruments
more problems than males (68% vs. 47%) and players of
require static and awkward positioning, which may
large string instruments had more problems than players of
contribute to fatigue.
smaller instruments (78% vs. 42%). Another study found
that 44 percent of students believed it was necessary to Vocalists and wind instrumentalists must perform
play through pain, a statistic the author called “alarming.”7 strenuous diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing, necessary
to move high volumes of air either through vocal cords or
A British study published in 1989 cited the piano, violin,
an instrument. For wind players, they must maintain the
cello, clarinet and flute as having the highest injury rates
proper facial structure and embouchure (mouth position in
among secondary musicians. Lockwood warns teachers
relation to the instrument’s mouthpiece).
to take special care in fostering proper technique with
students, especially girls, and teaching students that pain “There are many similarities between what the human
is a symptom of injury.8 body is asked to do in sports and in music,” explains Dr.
William J. Dawson, Associate Professor Emeritus of
At the college level, a survey of music students at seven
Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University’s
Australian colleges found that 9% to 21% of students had
Feinberg Medical School in Chicago, Ill. Dr. Dawson is on
overuse symptoms, with nearly half of these students
the editorial board for the journal Medical Problems of
reporting symptoms lasting for a year or more.9
Performing Artists and also president of the Performing
Why aren’t these injury and pain statistics causing Arts Medicine Association.
concern? In U.S. public schools alone (K-12) it’s estimated
“Heart rates go up, breathing changes, the body gets
that 10 million students participate in band, choir or orches-
ready for the adrenaline response – fight or flight,”
tra.10 In higher education, 27,000 music education degrees
notes Dawson, who says this is true whether an athlete
were awarded in the U.S. from 1998-2003, approximately
is running a race or throwing a discus or swimming 100
4,500 annually.11
meters, or a musician is playing an instrument or singing.
Why doesn’t the subject of pain and injury among student
All of these physical and emotional demands predispose
musicians make headlines or the evening news? One
the musician to postural dysfunctions and overuse injuries.
reason may be a lack of appreciation and understanding
about the physically demanding aspects of making music.
Proper Posture Crucial for Spine, Respiration
To minimize discomfort and pain, thereby maximizing
Playing Music Requires Physical Strength,
musicianship potential, the position of the spinal column
Dexterity and Endurance
and respiratory system are crucial:
Intense physical and emotional demands are placed on all
musicians – whether professionals, amateurs or students. Spinal Column In the normal standing posture, the spinal
Coordinated physical movements, often performed at a column forms what is called a natural sacro-lumbar curveProper Chairs for Music Programs: Sitting, Playing and Staying Healthy PA G E 3
(see illustration below). When this happens, the organs practice and performance time in the seated position, the
and upper body weight supported by the spine are in chair becomes a crucial piece of equipment -- an extension
balance. This state of balance means the fewest possible of the musician and their instrument.
muscles are required to maintain this position, freeing
No one questions that athletes need proper equipment,
up muscles to fully support the
such as helmets, pads and proper footwear to play – and
music-making process.
stay -- safe. They function to protect the athletes, while
enabling optimal performance. For musicians, their
equipment includes the instrument they play and the chair
they sit in.
Proper support
reduces risk of injury How well (or poorly) a chair supports the musician will
determine whether he or she can get the most from their
abilities. For elementary and secondary music directors,
their students’ ability to fully concentrate on the music-
making process will reduce the “fidget factor” and related
discipline problems that short-change a musical group
of precious rehearsal time. In higher education, longer
practice, rehearsal and performance periods pose a risk of
injury that could discourage ongoing music participation or
This position permits the diaphragm to function freely and even jeopardize a potential career.
releases muscle tension that occurs when the body
weight carried by the spinal column is out of balance. An
Freedom of Motion Important to Avoid
unbalanced condition results in muscle tension in the back,
Muscle Pain
neck and spine.
Rigidity or tensed muscles result from sustained muscle
Respiratory System Efficient air movement is necessary contractions, which can lead to ischemic pain. (Ischemia is
for playing a wind instrument or singing. In an open, a lack of oxygen in the tissue.) Without oxygen, muscles
standing position, the rib cage is freely able to move become very sore and painful. Musicians who sit very still
regularly and frequently: air can come out of the lungs at or rigid in their torso area can easily cause their extremities
whatever rate is necessary for proper playing or singing. to become rigid as well. Rigidity is caused by sustained
muscle contractions, which reduce blood flow. If
When a musician is sitting, any limitations to the ischemic pain is ignored, eventually the muscle, tendon, or
movement of the torso, or any posture that interferes with nerve may become inflamed, resulting in an acute or
the normal expansion and contraction of the lungs, will chronic inflammatory condition. To prevent ischemia and
compromise both air and sound production. inflammation, it’s critical to elicit frequent movement in
tense or rigid body parts.
Consider Chair as Extension of Musician,
Instrument Wanted: ‘Ideal’ Music Posture Chair
Standing is considered by many to be the “ideal” posture
The following help-wanted ad could be written about the
for music-making, because of how the spinal column and
ideal music posture chair:
respiratory system are positioned for optimal performance.
At music schools, it’s not unusual for students to practice Wanted: Ideal music chair designed to promote proper
alignment of spinal column, eliminating long-term sitting
and perform recitals while standing. However, large-group discomfort while providing the necessary freedom for the
rehearsals and performances are commonly held sitting diaphragm and accessory respiratory muscles to endure
down. Musicians in professional ensembles primarily strenuous breathing demands. This chair should also
allow freedom of motion necessary for the upper body,
rehearse and perform while seated.
arms and hands to properly support and manipulate an
instrument. It should also promote a degree of body
In most educational environments, sitting is the only
movement for all extremities, to help prevent prolonged
position practical for day-to-day student rehearsals and muscle contractions that can lead to ischemic pain.
performances. Since most musicians spend most of theirPA G E 4
PRODUCT-DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION
By Jodi Tuthill, Wenger Corporation
First ‘Music Posture Chair’ Introduced Wenger research also found that ALL music directors
Wenger Corporation introduced the first music observe their students shifting positions in their
posture chair in 1978. This chair was a logical addition to its chairs throughout rehearsals and performances. This
product line of music education equipment and furniture; restlessness was attributed, in part, to the “fidget-factor”
the company had been founded in 1946. This chair of active adolescents, along with their desire to escape
was specifically designed to address the posture needs of discomfort by adjusting into different positions. As noted
musicians. When musicians were seated on it properly – earlier, frequent movement also helps prevent rigidity
positioned all the way back in the seat – this chair helped and muscle tension by increasing blood flow, reducing the
musicians enjoy standing-position benefits. The hips were likelihood of painful inflammation.
slightly forward, putting the spine in its strongest, most nat-
urally comfortable position. The rib cage was raised as if New Nota™ Music Posture Chair Developed
in standing position, giving the diaphragm unrestricted Features of the new Nota™ chair from Wenger were
movement. It was difficult for musicians to slouch and easy specifically designed for optimal comfort, flexibility and
for them to concentrate on mechanics and performance. proper body support. In addition, the design team also
However, when musicians were seated at the front, in a decided that this new chair should strive to accommodate
“perched” position, the posture benefits of this chair were the varied seating demands of different instrumentalists.
significantly diminished. Through focus groups and other customer research,
Wenger explored a variety of chair options, designs,
Searching for ‘A Better Mousetrap’ materials and finishes. Wenger also consulted with
The study of ergonomics and its application to office medical experts about posture principles and key
furniture and human comfort and performance accelerated ergonomic issues related to chairs and seating positions.
in the 1980s and 1990s, related in part to computer These medical personnel included:
keyboarding and data processing. The field of performing • Bronwen Ackermann,
arts medicine also continued its growth and development Ph. D., Physical Therapy, Canberra, Australia
during this period, focused on the unique physical wellness
• Dr. Alice Brandfonbrener,
issues of musicians and risks of overuse-type injuries. Assistant Professor of Medicine,
Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine
Over the past 27 years, the Wenger Corporation has and Rehabilitation;
learned -- through observation in the field and customer Northwestern University’s
research – that more than 50 percent of school music Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
directors prefer their students to sit forward in their seat, • Dr. William J. Dawson,
perched on the front edge of the chair, in part to encourage President of the Performing Arts
attentiveness and discourage slouching. Medicine Association;
Associate Professor Emeritus of
This meant that more than half the students using Orthopaedic Surgery,
Northwestern University’s
Wenger music posture chairs were not realizing the Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
fullest benefits intended from the chairs.
• Babette Lightner
Wenger decided to remedy this situation by developing a Movement Educator, River Falls, Wisconsin
multi-position chair that could accommodate both seating • Nicholas Quarrier
preferences while providing posture benefits. Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy,
Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York
• Jonathan Reynolds
Physical Therapist, Arts Medicine MinnesotaProper Chairs for Music Programs: Sitting, Playing and Staying Healthy PA G E 5
Revolutionary Features of The Nota Chair The Nota chair, with its rounded front corners and
From market research and product engineering, the “waterfall” front, accommodates angled seating
Wenger design team believes the Nota chair has two preferences without uncomfortably constricting the legs.
revolutionary features unavailable in any other music- (Chairs with sharply angled front corners restrict angled
specific chair: positioning.) Proper support for the legs and thighs also
impacts circulation. With chairs that are concave-shaped
Position-Transition Seat with Dual Seating Zones
in the front, the likelihood increases that musicians will
The two distinct seating zones in the Nota chair can
complain about numbness, tingling or irritation in their legs
accommodate either front- or rear-seating preferences.
because circulation is impaired by the seat edge or lip.
This provides uncompromising comfort and posture
support in each position.
Accommodating Range of Motion
The Nota chair allows the musician’s body to be more fluid
than regular chairs. With the pelvis tipped slightly forward,
the body is more apt to “teeter totter” or sway slightly
in different directions. The unique shape of the seat
also fosters this motion, which by utilizing more muscle
activity assists in circulation and reduces the likelihood of
muscle rigidity caused by sustained contractions.
Forward Back
Other Supportive Chair Attributes
Spinal Curvature To maintain the spine’s natural
Narrow Convex Back This uniquely shaped back bows
sacro-lumbar curve, the recessed seat contour helps
outward toward the seated musician, helping to encourage
angle the pelvis slightly forward, preventing it from
the natural sacro-lumbar curve of the spine. The convex
rolling backwards – which happens when people slouch.
shape also means that it offers this support even when
The recessed seat area offers fewer pressure points by
musicians sit at an angle on the chair. Its narrow shape
more naturally cradling the body’s contours.
provides greater freedom of movement, both for the upper
arm/torso and rib cage/diaphragm. Breath/Circulation When the pelvis is slightly forward
and the spinal column properly aligned, the rib cage
opens up, allowing for maximum ventilation and
Accommodating Angled Seating
breathing capacity.
Musicians may choose an angled seating position on
a chair for a variety of reasons. Those musicians playing Transition/Movement The transition (middle) area on
certain instruments -- such as French horn, violin/viola, the seat makes it easy for musicians to move between
flute or larger saxophone – require an angled position to front (perched) or rear (engaged) positions on the seat,
prevent their elbows, or in some cases their instruments, or change their sitting angle.
from hitting their chairs. Two musicians who are sharing
one music stand may also need to sit slightly sideways in Height Accommodation The Nota chair’s rounded
order to see correctly. waterfall front accommodates musicians of different
heights more easily than average classroom chairs.
In order to help keep the thighs sloping downward,
which opens up the rib cage, the Nota chair is also higher
than average classroom chairs. The 19” Nota chair will be
the size best suited for most musicians, but Wenger
will also offer 17.5” and 20.5” models to accommodate
musicians throughout the height spectrum.
Forward BackPA G E 6
Feature Benefit
POSITION-TRANSITION – Promotes good posture in either the forward
“perched” or rear “engaged” position
SEAT
– Contour allows musicians to sit straight
or angled on the chair
– Transition area makes it easy to move
from an engaged to a perched position
NARROW – Allows for greater freedom of movement
CONVEX BACK – Provides greater lumbar support
– Allows the musician to sit straight or angled
on the chair and still get back support
ROUNDED – Promotes better circulation which helps
reduce the “fidget factor”
WATERFALL FRONT
– Encourages a natural lumbar curve, even
in the forward position
– Allows one height of chair to accommodate
a greater variety of body sizesProper Chairs for Music Programs: Sitting, Playing and Staying Healthy PA G E 7 Comments About the Nota™ Chair Medical personnel and music directors who have experienced the Nota chair firsthand offer strong opinions about its benefits: “The Nota™ chair actively encourages correct posture, teaching students about the benefits of sitting properly while they play. We tested the Nota™ chair for a month with our orchestra and it was like having a teaching assistant for correct posture right in the room with me.” Mark Gitch, Orchestra Director, Wayzata High School, Wayzata, Minnesota “It is critical to have postural alignment for musical performance. This chair supports the ability to sit up in a better alignment – better position. With the contoured seat and the back support it offers, you can sit longer with less fatigue and therefore, less ability to slouch.” Nicholas F. Quarrier, MHS, PT, OCS, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York “A chair like the Nota™ chair, that allows a musician to sit comfortably and play efficiently and easily, can certainly help musicians maintain their good health.” Dr. William J. Dawson, President of the Performing Arts Medicine Association; Associate Professor Emeritus of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois “Posture is the basis for everything you do as a musician, and having the right posture alleviates problems for students. And if the students are comfortable, they are going to focus on their playing.” Michael Eddy, Fine Arts Coordinator, Henry County School System, McDonough, Georgia “The Nota™ chair will give student musicians a better chance at succeeding than will a regular chair, helping them to develop – through good posture – the habits necessary for great musicianship.” Dr. David Gregory, Director of Bands, Reinhardt College, Waleska, Georgia “Good posture is absolutely critical and it is critical not just for wind players but also for string players and for vocalists…for all musicians…The Nota™ music posture chair allows for wonderful alignment. It keeps the musician very centered and keeps the spine properly aligned.” Robert W. Rumbelow, Director of Wind Ensemble Activities, Columbus State University - Schwob School of Music, Columbus, Georgia “Once you sit in the Nota™ chair, it seems like magic. It seems to naturally align your hips – especially for violin. Even when you are sitting back or forward it puts the body in the right alignment. And it’s just the right height. I fully support using the Nota™ chair for myself and my students!” Susan Waterbury, Associate Professor, Violin, Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York
PA G E 8
Justifying Investment in Music Chairs 01
“Prevalence and Trends in Overweight Among US Children
and Adolescents, 1999-2000.” Journal of the American Medical
As mentioned in the introduction and addressed in this Association. 2002; 288(14): 1728-1732.
paper, specialized music chairs are important for at least 02
http://www.healthierus.gov/exercise.html
three key reasons: 03
Iyer, S. R. (2001). “An ergonomic study of chronic musculo-
skeletal pain in schoolchildren.” Indian Journal of Pediatrics,
• Increasing musician health and wellness 68(10), 937-941.
04
http://www.promoteot.org/AI_SummaryLiterature.html
• Optimizing musical performance 05
Smith, W.E., M.D. “Medical Problems of Orchestra Musicians
According to Age and Stage of Career.” Medical Problems
• Improving classroom management of Performing Artists, Vol. 6, 1992.
06
Lockwood, Alan H., M.D. “Medical Problems in Secondary
For computer workstation furniture, specialized ergonomic School-aged Musicians.” Medical Problems of Performing
task chairs have become accepted by many educational Artists, Vol. 3, 1998.
facilities as the “de facto” standard equipment.
07
Shoup, David, D.O. “Survey of Performance-related Problems
among High School and Junior High School Musicians.”
Medical Problems of Performing Artists, Vol. 10, 1995.
It’s time that the needs of seated musicians merit the 08
Fry, H.J.H. and Rowley, G.L. “Music-Related Overuse in
same consideration – a chair designed to support and Secondary Schools.” Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases,
Vol. 48, 1989.
optimize music performance.
09
Fry, H.J.H. “Prevalence of Overuse (Injury) Syndrome in
Australian Music Schools.” British Journal of Industrial Medicine,
Medical experts and academic research attest to the Vol. 44, 1987.
fact that music-making is strenuous physical activity. 10
U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education
Without proper body support and appropriate equipment, Statistics. (www.nces.ed.gov). “Arts Education in Public
Elementary and Secondary Schools.” (Estimate based on 54.3
musicians can suffer overuse injuries that inhibit learning million public school students, K-12, with 25% student
participation rate among the 90% of schools offering music.)
and diminish performance. The pain and distractions
11
National Association of Schools of Music
caused by such discomfort can lead to disruptive (www.arts-accredit.org) Higher Education Arts Data Service.
classroom behavior in younger students. For older
musicians, such irritations may discourage or prevent
further participation in music.
The “No Child Left Behind Act” classifies music as a core
academic subject, and chairs are key equipment that
enable focused concentration in the music classroom or
performance environment.
WENGER CORPORATION
555 Park Drive
Why are proper music chairs important? Physical therapist PO Box 448
Nicholas Quarrier began this paper, and he concludes Owatonna, MN 55060-0448
it appropriately by answering that question with his UNITED STATES
own questions. And while his response is focused on 800.4WENGER
Fax 1.507.455.4258
music education for young musicians, it has relevance for Customer Service 1.800.887.7145
musicians at any stage of their career:
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“How happy and healthy do you want your student players Fax 1.416.754.3996
to be? How well do you want them to play? How many do
WESTERN CANADA
you want to still be playing with you a year from now? If 1.877.990.4040
students are sitting on uncomfortable, poor-quality chairs, Fax 1.416.754.3996
they are going to be unhappy, playing in pain, and playing QUEBEC
poorly. Eventually it could predispose them to injury and 1.800.411.5600
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and perform better.” Fax 1.507.444.0685
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