Musicians' Top 10 Health Issues (Surprising #7!) 

1. Carpal tunnel, tendinitis, tennis elbow 2. Hearing Issues (hearing loss, etc) 3. Sleep disorders 4. Nutritional deficiencies 5. Depression (insecurity) 6. Performance anxiety (stage fright) 7. Substance abuse 8. Eye strain (blue light from computer screen) 9. Burnout (can lead to other issues) Helps: Wear earplugs, get in shape, therapists, avoid substances.

Lost 2 of my favorite musicians in the past month or so. I remembered a saying I used to hear, that musicians die early. Now I’m focusing on sleep and watching my health more. RIP Quinnell Gaskin and Shaun Martin.

As an older musician I have the dubious distinction of being able to check every box. Hearing aids. Multiple hand surgeries. Depression. Don’t be like me, kids!

Physical fitness and diet are some of the hardest things I deal with as a musician/singer.

I stand with the older musicians in that I have experienced every single one of these. Our brother speaking is speaking truth, and I pray that our younger musician brothers and sisters have the wisdom to hear

I’m a professional drummer dealing with lots of the issues (physically & mentally) that you’re mentioning here. Would love to see your “Workout for Musicians” videos. Thanks for sharing your experiences 🙏🏻

As an old gen x drummer i can’t emphasize enough the importance of a thorough warmup before shows, practice, and rehearsals. #2- protect those ears. Low investment, high reward. Great video as always.

Get active and stay in shape

Fortunately, where I’m from, we have the Musicians Clinics of Canada. I’m an almost 70 year old musician and have been going to the clinic for almost 30 years. Dr. Chong has saved my life at least twice. They deal with all the issues you talk about. I’m very fortunate to have found Dr.Chong and all his staff for all these years.

Yes these are all legitimate health problems and they can be mitigated. I would love to see a video on work outs for musicians.

I think the more the whole band is prepared for each gig, the more fun it will be, and less stressful!

Words of wisdom! Well said!

Greetings from Zambia - I have been playing guitar when I was in High School in 1999 to date. What you talked about the shoulder pain and all, is actually very real with me. I am now watching what I eat. I have completely done away with soda and jog 21km every Saturday morning and 8km every Wednesday evenings (that's twice a week!). I also do abs workouts just under 4mins before I get a shower in the mornings/or if I fail in the mornings then do it in nights afore sleeping and night bath. Someone challenged me that we all have 4min to ourselves no matter how busy we are so those who do not work out on account of saying "they have no time/or are busy" aren't just real. We all have at least 4min. That challenged me and I use my 4min of either the mornings or the nights as the case might be, to do intensive Abs workouts different sets each other day. Lo and behold...we can't be busy for our bodies. Know this, while here in earth, we CAN ONLY LIVE in our BODIES. The more reason we need to care for them. I can not be punctual taking care of my vehicle service dues but fail to service my own body. What's that?

I have tendinitis in both of my wrist now for playing my keyboard the last 15 years. To me this is a good reason why we deserve to be paid.

On the nose. I quit playing for 10 years because of tendinitis and back problems. At one point I was hospitalized with intense back pain. I am now playing again and preventing injury with simple daily exercises. Yes, make a video on your exercises and I will also! Other related health problems are family and marriage stress from the unpredictable musician lifestyle. Another one is health problems from frequent travel by bus and air. I suffered from this also in the past, like ear aches from air pressure changes from flying. One year I flew more than 15 flights!

Bro! I say this all the time. We have to take care of our bodies and minds so we can continue to do what we love.

1. "Back, neck, and shoulder problems." I have the Contour Strap for my guitar. Made a difference by redistributing the weight. 2. Regarding sleep: Guys, it's the 14th and 15th letters of the alphabet. Learn to use them together, and you'll get more rest. Money isn't everything! 3. Comparison: I don't compare myself to anyone but myself! I simply try to be a better me than I was yesterday!

As a young bassist, i have always been using hearing protection on stage and when visiting concerts. In my opinion, as soon as you get used to it you start to hear the music better and more clearly because your ears are less overloaded. Trying it is really worth it, especially in the long term.

Thank You Terrence A very close drummer friend of mine just died in his sleep a few weeks ago. He had just finished 3 gigs that day, and had been working 1-3 gigs everyday for over 6 weeks! EVERYDAY! DRUMS The set up, the break down, the drives. I’m sure he wasn’t really eating enough, I could tell. We get so charged from music we don’t feel hungry. I worked with him a week before he died. He was amped. He did smoke marijuana excessively but nothing harder. Cause of death was undetermined by doctors but many of us who knew him in the music community are sure that he died of too many gigs! He was exhausted. He didn’t want to give up the gigs cause he needed the money. Another component for some of us musicians is that gigs don’t pay enough. I know he was getting paid as little as $75 for some of those gigs and at most $200 on average. There were a few that paid more, but you know how it is. Too few. How are we supposed to pay bills? And he was THE TOP drummer on Maui. He played all genres. When Lahaina burned down he lost some of his best paying gigs and didn’t have work for months. Since he didn’t live in Lahaina there wasn’t much economic relief provided for gig workers. So when the gigs finally rolled in, he could not say no. I imagine him unloading his drums from his car after 3 gigs, putting everything away, then going to sleep for good. Can gigs please start paying us more so we don’t kill ourselves trying to make a living? RIP

The more physical ones can actually be good for you if you eat and get good rest. I like to lift weights at the gym and it's actually helped make loading and unloading my gear much easier. I remember carrying my amp with bad posture, but after weight lifting, I carry it with better posture and I don't lose my breath anymore. I didn't realize how much deadlifting I was doing with instruments, and now I can easily deadlift most of my gear. I used vintage gear sometimes like Fender Rhodes and Farfisa organ and those things are heavy! But now I like the challenge of bringing those instruments out! The 70s twin reverb, you probably know all about that. I just leave that one at home because it's a bit fragile and it's too antique. I've been through burnout and the thing that always gets me back up is lots of food and good sleep. Food and sleeping are essential to help the body repair, and get stronger!

As a 45 year old musician, I can confirm the CTS, back issues & the ear issues. Not counting recitals, I started performing at age 16. I totally disregarded self care.

As a older musician starting my career at a very young age the one thing that we encountered while performing late night gigs in clubs was smoking by the patrons it was so thick it actually burned your eyes

Its Extremely easy to compare ourselves to other Musicians. I'm "only" a bedroom hobbyist, and occasionally play at church. Some of those other musicians at church, can be Brilliant!

Wow , who are you?! You hit it all right on the head, thanks so much, people don’t realize how much musicians put into their music, and how much sacrificing and dedication is put into bringing them the music they like, but yes, myself I’ve had issues with a kind of writers block, my improvisational skills are stellar, but I’ve become depressed as I’ve burned out, or let go of some of my techniques, from tone response to my fingers to the ideas that used to flow , I often ask myself if I have Alzheimer’s, but in addressing these issues like you mentioned, it may help retain what was lost, I go back and think what I was doing when things were better, my study techniques, my health, sleep, etc., thanks for pointing this out!

I've always have been healthy. I rode bicycle, lifted weights. Gear lugging was just an extension of my workouts. When I did music, full-time, I began having forearm pain, constantly... I was dating a massage therapist then... and her work on my forearms saved me from far worse issues. If you hurt, get a therapeutic massage from a pro. Sleep.. eeeghads! It's been an issue for decades (I'm a geezer now). Now retired, gigging occasionally, I'm finally getting it together with sleep. Sleep is so important for health. I always set my life up around sleep. I'm amazed at how many professionals find my need for afternoon appointments bizarre. Nutrition is part of my workout routine. I've studied nutrition as much as music... and still do. Back when full-time, I performed in venue after venue, when smoking was allowed. Singing, I breathed that shit in, night after night, deeply. By ymy 50's I developed some life threatening issues that I know passive smoking incurred. Around that time, no smoking became a thing... it's so nice coming home, my clothes and gear smelling... well... normal. Ugh... depression has been a constant companion since I was a child. I was raised in an abusive household, school was just as bad. Creatives all have this burden... get counseling... if you can find an affordable one. I'm still seeing a pro... and need it, and probably will for life. I've lost a lot of musician friends to partying... but they all imbibed, heavily. True party animals... They were addicted. The bassist I'm working with now is a drunk... getting fatter, seems clueless that she's destroying herself. Some quit, and are alive because they did. Myself? S 10:33 ure I enjoyed a toke, a drink, but never habitually. When full-time, I consumed the most... it was a stressful, relentless life. I drove 1000 miles per week at times. I'd get home at daybreak... sometimes wasted. I agree... I was burning out, frustrated because of my lack of business and people skills. It was rage, and these libations kept the fires low. I've not had performance anxiety. I've always been comfortable on stage... but I hear about it all the time from others. Besides music, I'm a craftsman. Power tools make a lot of noise. Between the tools and the music, my hearing has taken a beating. Please wear hearing protection. I have hearing aids now. They help, but do not replace normal hearing... I'm looking to upgrade. BTW, the hearing aid business is a racket... I'm finding it as reputable as used car sales. There's some folks who take the business seriously, and other's into it for the money, hustlers to the core... be careful. I'm glad I found your channel... we all need to hear your words of wisdom. Thanks.

Yes please. I need to preserve my hands

For me its the best job, i never wanted to do anything else.😊

I was literally thinking last night about the issues in my body from my music life! Deformities been forming in my joints and stuff. We gotta really take care of our bodies as musicians. Thanks for addressing this Terence!

The 1st video I've seen on this subject, which is crucial for any professional musician. I've dealed with all the 10 issues you mentioned the last 30 years, in one way or another. Some can be fixed in a short period of time, while others take almost a lifetime of experiences, self-reflecting, awareness and a lot of introspection. To me, the one thing that stands out is your innerpeace, being the person you truly are will come out through your music. That's when you establish a connection with the audience and other musicians. You're totally right about, that your mental health issues can cause fysical problems as well. On the other hand, when you're not feeling well and have to do a gig. When that gig turns out to be one of a life changing experience, something magical happens inside of us. Maybe that's what keeps us moving through the pain...for that moment 😉 Shout out to you for discussing this important subject, thx 🙏

This video is right on time! Thanks for sharing!

Your channel actually came up as a suggestion. At almost 71 music has been over 50 years of it. I like how you cut it straight. I've been down the burnout phase numerous times. From heavy amps to multiple services the same day. I applaud you and continue to cut it to us musicians straight . I basically now only play very few times a year. I told the last band I wasn't carrying any instrument around heaver than my mandolin..

Another great video, Terence. I was playing keys for the Thursday night concert at GMWA in Memphis last week, and the bass was so loud it sounded out of key. I immediately grabbed my earplugs. After nearly five decades of doing this, I can really relate to this video.

I, myself, have incorporated health & wellness into my daily regimen. This has really helped with my overall well being as a musician

Well said!

This has given me a general relief on my mind and body .🎉🎉thank u so much for this topic .🎉🎉🎉

Perfect topic for all musicians ☀️

The potential back issues are exactly why I have moved toward a MUCH lighter rig and sitting while I play.

It's all linked to circadian rhythm disruption. Think of the lifestyles, late nights, blue light, alcohol.. I promise every single one of the issue you have listed can be helped from sunlight exposure on eyes and skin, and blocking blue light at night

Great subject ... Every musician should see it . Exercices designed for musicians must be the part two of these video ! Many thanks for sharing

Awesome!!! Our industry needs more of what you're delivering. 😊

You make all the right points here! I was a working pro musician, doing stage, studio, touring, film soundtrack; basically everything you can imagine for about 20 years or so, and began experiencing most all of the symptoms which you describe as I was approaching 40 years of age. I wound up with severe degenerative disc disease, (more than a dozen herniated discs), and I have been in pain management now for close to 30 years. I also chose to have a hand surgery which was unsuccessful because of a horrible surgeon, and left me with daily chronic pain in my hand which pretty much ended my career. We make music with our instruments, but first and foremost we make music with OUR BODIES. I've known many musicians who took better care of their instrument than they did of themselves! Most everything about the musicians' lifestyle is going against taking good care of yourself. The long hours, physical and emotional exertion; and the practise of "End Gaining" is rampant! ("End gaining is the tendency we have to keep our mind and actions focused on an end result whilst losing sight of, and frequently at the expense of, the means-whereby the result is achieved.") Anyway, I'm sure that if you post more thoughtful advice and techniques for musicians to follow, you'll get a good bit of attention, and be helping out a lot of folks. A few methods, modalities, and techniques that I've found can be particularly helpful to musicians are: Yoga, Pilates, Aquatics/Aqua Aerobics and Swimming, The Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, all kinds of Dance, Running/Walking, Martial Arts/Tai Chi; Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, and many more! Don't be shy about exploring as many of these as you can in order to find the right fit for you and your lifestyle. And try to stick with it! My big mistake in retrospect was settling upon deep water aquatics, which helped me tremendously for over a decade, but eventually I got to a place in life where I no longer had access to appropriate therapy pool facilities, and so now I haven't been doing it at all for more than a decade! (I used to teach these classes at the NYC YMCA, and I would often be in the water for several hours per day!) Learning to stay healthy after losing access to your chosen exercise modality can be devastating, so chose wisely and try to find something that you can carry with you through the course of your life!

Excellent points. Makes me see being a musician in a totally different way. Thanks for the content, Terence.

One problem you touched on but didn't mention is Sciatica. Almost every older drummer I know suffers from this issue to some extent. It is from a combination of sitting on a stool for long periods, and lifting heavy gear. Probably effects a lot of sitting keyboard players too.

This is my favorite video ever! I self-medicated with alcohol to deal with my stage fright for literally twenty years. So I made some big changes two years ago and nowadays I never drink when I play (and rarely drink at all). It’s great to hear someone say these things out loud (in this video). Bravo.

After seeing this video, I might have to start calling you out of your name; No disrespect, but to me you are “Doctor Terence Fisher”! Because you have described in detail every health issue I have had during and after playing music for 40 years!! Keep up the good work!

Congratulations on being the star of some of the most useful videos on the internet.

Very useful awakening vid. Like the chill music in the background. Your idea to make a vid about fitness exercises esp. for musicians is a good one!

Awesome video! Much needed!

I'd really like to see you do those workout videos for musicians!

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing 💯

Great topic. I’m interested in the workout for musicians videos.

Yep, 58 year old metal guitarist... can relate to this. It's our lifestyle 🎸

Proper technique and posture is essential. Everyone looks for a quick way to progress, but only develop bad habits and health problems. Staying in shape is critical as well. There are plenty of ergo things on the market as well. Proper PT and such are also critical. I have had my share over the years. I have always guarded my hearing and back from improper lifting. All of your items are valid, but anyone in today's economy that is a working person has stress/sleep issues and bad eating habits. It takes so much work to just stay healthy. In this world, depression is the norm for most. Performance anxiety/fear can be overcome. It can take a long time, once I did some thinking about how emotions have no base in logic and that we can learn to control them, I was on my way. An emotion with the belief that someone or something is dangerous, or would cause me harm makes zero logical sense applied to being a musician. Why be afraid of something that has not and may not happen as well? If you are a professional and have that knowledge and belief in your ability, just do your best to perform. Of course I am an older gentleman, That first time I was in front of 1200 or more people I remember well.

I’m a 67 year old oboist. 57 years of playing. Still playing principal, in orchestra, the musical theatre pit, recording, etc. Yes, starting to hit the wall. Had 2 shoulder replacements, years ago, , & now pain in back, neck, hands, arms, jaw, eyes, and, still, so hard to walk away. Where I am, now. I am having to get real, about it, and realize that I, and most, if you go this long, at a certain level of playing, will come to this knowing, that, at some point, have to walk away, hopefully, with a smile on our/my face. Still, very hard. Music is forever.

I can relate to each of these issues at different points in my life.

So right. I play piano, violin, guitar and have had two torn tendons (bicep and elbow) in a three year span that required surgical repair. Thankful for surgeons but the recovery was long and hard. Remember to take breaks from practicing to stretch and rest. Also had to revamp my nutrition.

Great video...spot on...

Thank you so much for this video. It's a real eye opener.

Great topic sir!! Thank you!🙏🏽

Awesome video! 💯% facts! 👍

This is a real good video & most ppl don’t even think about there health wen making music 💯👑✌🏼

This is indeed an interesting topic you picked, I've always been concerned about drummers as they have to make sound loud enough so that it is clearly audible to audience sitting a bit far, they can't put on ear-plugs because they also have to listen and co-ordinate with rest of the orchestra and the singer, crash cymbal is also near their ear so all of this is very bad for them in the long run. In addition, musicians have to practice so they sit long hours which isn't healthy, they also start having snacks, this makes them gather fat. They usually skip the time that should be dedicated to physical activity for practicing, perfecting their skill and learning music.

I'm not necessarily a Rolling Stones fan... but Mick Jagger has it right. At 81 years of age... he trains like an athlete most every day... sometimes up to 3+ hours (G**gle it). As a former athlete, I've adopted his approach. I train to perform as a musician. Currently... I'm 63. Front a cover band. Also perform in a trio, duo, & solo. I sing lead & harmony vocals & play guitars & keys. Seems to be working well. Loving performing. Loving life! 😎🎸🎹🎤👍 Btw there are plenty of additional excellent suggestions in this thread. Proper sleep, nutrition, hydration, etc. All are critical to building a healthy foundation. 😉

So many great musicians die way too young. Roy Hargrove Eric Dolphy Booker Little Charnett Moffett Charlie Parker Amy Winehouse Mulgrew Miller Tony Reedus Montez Coleman Bill Evans Paul Desmond ...and this is a very small list. In my 20s, I decided against a full-time music career due to mental health issues. Health insurance is easier to come by these days, but it's still way harder than working for an employer. Much love to everyone to pursues music as a full-time career.

Excellent video. 👍🏿

Great video Terence. As an intermediate musician who’s been lucky enough to play with bands, friends etc. over the last 30 years, I’ve experienced a lot of these issues. I’m currently in 2 bands, (drumming) but due to a hand injury, (still undergoing investigation to see what it is) I have been unable to play guitar, (my first instrument) since Nov 23! I’d appreciate another video on exercises etc. that could help. Thanks. 🤘😎🥁

The problem is when I aum to avoid comparing myself to others, those around me are always comparing me to others. As someone on the Autism Spectrum I cannot compete in the arena of social skills.

Great information and advice.

58 ex pro pianist. Ready for a back operating, Arthritic neck & mild hearing loss starting plus Tinnitus. Fortunately never had a hand or wrist issue. Young musicians take note. Buy a decent set of in ear hearing protector buds for practice & gigs. Back support & Alexander techniques too.

Super good video. Lots of colleagues of mine dealing with these things - working your ass and struggling is cute when you're young, but it's very much not when you get older and start to see these things setting in... with or without insurance or other financial support to get you through it. Hang in there, team, and remember that art makes so many aspects of life worthwhile.

As a musician of some 55 years (and counting), I have personally experienced ALL of these symptoms.. as well as engaging every remedy our musical brother suggests. It helps, mostly. But not always. Like every other job, the monotony of addressing the necessities of our craft takes a considerable toll on the physical bodies our Souls currently inhabit. There's really no way around it. It comes with the territory. Our survival relies entirely on the seriousness with which we engage the solutions to each issue.. and how early we become progressive about dealing with them. Quite honestly, in our youthful years, we tend to pay little attention to these maladies. We're having too much fun.. in our efforts of realizing the dreams of our artistic nature. Obviously, this is part of the problem. And as with everything, these issues present themselves more aggressively the older we're blessed to get. Everything catches up with us. The Carpal-Tunnel, the aches and pains, the emotional and psychological stresses magnify. In a lot of cases, the damage we've done is beyond our ability to repair. However that, in no means, suggests we should stop trying to. Just as our love of music is the primary motivation for our longevity and continuance, so should our awareness of the necessity of being pro-active about the health of the vehicles which carry us: our bodies. Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Just add it to the 'laundry-list' of that which we must learn... to make our lives easier and extend the blessing of sharing our Gifts for as long as we can. ©2024 by Leroy Jackson Burgess.

Great topic. Really enjoyed it.

Definitely do a video on fitness and how it applies to musicians, especially as we get older. Having knowledge in some functional fitness can greatly improve our health as we age.

I’m 35 going to a chiropractor now because of back issues, rolled forward shoulders slightly but mainly lower back pain. It can all be fixed but it’ll take a while with special exercise. Do those exercises everyone tells you to do especially if you are any king of guitar player.. your spine will get messed up over many years of working, also do the carpus exercises as well

As a musician i always wondered why most musicians died very young, and I first thought it was drugs, well i was wrong, many other musicians who were not on drugs also died. Most of the health issues Terence is talking about I have experienced whilst practicing, on the road, in the studio, and gigs. I also discovered that musicians don't actually take any holidays like other workers after all their hard but seemingly interesting work. this is a very serious matter that Terence is raising here and I wish all musicians should take hid and listen carefully. The late, brilliant young genius black American trumpeter, Roy Hargrove said it in an interview before his death that all musicians should be careful about their health more especially those who have made it to stardom. There's so many demands and less resting periods in this business, and that's a cause for ALARM!!!

The gym has become my best friend. I am one who gains weight easily. I monitor my diet also. I'm about 275-280lbs, but most of that comes from the gym. As a result, I recover quickly from long playing sessions and loading in and out. At 48 I move better that most people half my age. I also use the 45/15 method for practice and mixing. That give my body the breaks it needs to continue to function.

For the last 12 years I’ve been working 40+ hours a week at a normal job, and playing in 2 or 3 bands over 100 shows a year. I also have to work Saturdays at my regular job. It’s catching up with me at 32

L63* Great Video, Terance! 👍 These are real issues. That's why I play Ukulele at Breakfast Gigs. "I gave up Steel and High Heels 👠 ". Would love to see how you stay in such good condition. I vote YES. ✌️♥️ ~ 🌺

Very true. Do yourselves a favour and learn the Alexander Technique. There's plenty of information about it on RU-vid.

As an amateur pianist (I was in a competition at Carnegie Hall at ages 10 and 11) and as a chiropractor, musicians and other creative people have been some of my best and favorite patients.

Thanks for this A musician’s health is very important and not much addressed

This video rocks someone has to keep it real

You remind me of in a jam session i was trying to tune my banjo and dobro and had to tell the guitarist to stop playing since his amp was screwing up my tuner. Once they were both tuned then i was ready. Next time i jam i will want to be away from guitar or bass speaker.

Love this. Please it would be great to see the video on health balance for muicians.

This is such an awesome channel. Thank you man.

Please make the video on the exercises 🙏

Definitely would like to see a vid about physical fitness for musicians 💯

Hey ya man I'd love to know exercises that's helped you. Great video, man 10/10 fricheks

Cool contribution and Insight.

I "retired" my drum stool nearly 20 years ago, and started using a chair. a good quality drum throne will give the same result, but the chair was cheaper.

So true...almost every fulltime musicians i know have all these health problems that youve listed....sigh...musicians really have it hard.

I would love to see a video on work outs for musicians

Greetings; Thank You. Talking sense has been, for far too long, a thing of the past. Stay in the groove, Sincerely, JustBGuz 😎

Pretty much all of those issues can at least be alleviated by some good old-fashioned physical exercise. Also, training outside, preferably in nature or a park, improves the mental benefits of the exercise.

this is the greatest musician video of alll times in my opinion

I've been an amateur player for 12 years, just playing in church and some marriages. For the last month I've played some live gigs and we're scheduled to play at least 4 gigs a month. I'm already concerned about the loudness. Please do more videos on how to be cautious about this and everything else you mentioned in this video! I was even stretching when this video showed up on my feed 😂

As a musician, I know that several other musicians try to achieve the same feeling from being on stage performing through chemistry. (Intoxicants) These things cause premature medical problems (heart and lung diseases). Combine that with poor eating habits and lack of proper sleep habits. That equals a shortened lifespan.

Learning and playing musical 🎵 instruments has benefits brain exercising your body

Thank you for this important information ℹ️ ❤

I am (half) walking proof that carrying heavy equipment around is bad for the spine. At 61 I have had two neck ops and four lower spine ops, leaving me dependent on crutches. If I can offer any advice, don’t try to carry things on your own. Yes, we all want to set up and have a sound check as quick as possible (on limited time), but carrying heavy PA speakers or guitar amps on your own is a no, no. Buddy up and take your time, trust me, it’s worth it later on in life.