RCM musicians tune up and tone up
The RCM announces its "healthy musician initiative" - a world first for optimising health and performance.
The Royal College of Music (RCM) has launched a new programme of activities designed to lead the way in optimising musicians' health and wellbeing.
Stemming from recent research in the RCM’s Centre for Performance Science - as well as contemporary evidence from the fields of medicine, psychology, and exercise science - musicians at the College now have access to fitness assessments, health seminars, and hands-on workshops on topics ranging from injury prevention to stress management to exercise adherence.
Our integrated package of initiatives is the first of its kind in a music conservatoire, providing RCM students with an informed backdrop against which they can make the most of their educational and professional opportunities.
Fitness assessment scheme
As of October 2008, RCM students will be offered free physical fitness assessments, in which their current levels of physical activity and fitness are profiled and they receive advice on how to exercise and eat to optimise performance. Read more
Delivered in association with the Cardiff School of Sport, University of Wales Institute Cardiff; University of Music, Trossingen, Germany; and the Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London.
Hearing assessment scheme
Following two years of research into musicians' hearing, the RCM is extending its successful hearing assessment scheme by offering a comprehensive range of hearing tests to all students and staff. Read more
Delivered in association with the Ear Institute, University College London.
Peak performance workshops
From October 2008, an expanded suite of two-week 'taster' workshops will be offered to RCM students on topics including yoga, pilates, Tai Chi, exercise, healthy eating, and stress management. These will be tailored to address the physical, mental, and musical demands of high-level practising and performing. Read more
Health seminar series and Alexander technique
Bringing the whole programme together are the RCM’s long-running health seminar series and Alexander technique provision, which introduce first-year students to fundamental principles of physical and mental health that are integral to performance success. Read more
Delivered in association with the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine.
For more information, visit the College's dedicated health website www.health.rcm.ac.uk, or contact Dr Aaron Williamon, Head of the Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS, email awilliamon@rcm.ac.uk.
