Physical and Mental Wellness: Twenty-five years ago, Associate Professor of Oboe James Brody launched the Musicians’ Wellness Initiative—now the Musicians’ Wellness Program (MWP)—at the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Music.

Brody, who will retire on July 31 after 39 years of teaching, developed the first-of-its-kind wellness program to help students, faculty, staff and community members reach and sustain peak performance.

“When a Buffs football player gets injured, Coach Deion Sanders enlists a team of professionals to ensure a swift recovery,” said Brody. “That’s what the MWP does for musicians in the College of Music, helping them prevent and recover from injuries, and maintaining robust mental health.”

Studies estimate that 90% of professional musicians experience playing-related pain or injuries due to misuse or overuse, and musicians report stress, anxiety or depression tied to their art.

“It became glaringly obvious this was a necessity when students came to me with injuries 30 years ago,” said Brody. “I was committed to finding ways to make a difference.”

International Teach Music Week, March 17-23, is a unique opportunity to honor trailblazers such as Brody. The MWP, which aligns with the College of Music's universal musician approach, predates the National Association of Schools of Music’s 2005 mandate requiring music programs to address wellness. Since its inception, Brody and the College of Music have expanded services and shared their work at international conferences in Helsinki, Oslo, Tallinn and London.

MPW participants learn powerful somatic methodologies (e.g., Alexander Technique, Body Mapping) that improve physical functioning and prevent injury. In addition to teaching performance psychology and exercise techniques for breathing, hearing and vocal health, the program also includes an embedded therapist, Matthew Tomatz, who provides therapy sessions to support students’ emotional well-being, including managing performance anxiety.

When Brody retires this summer, his legacy will continue to positively influence the health and well-being of College of Music students, faculty and staff, as well as community members. He'll lead his final Alexander Technique Plus (AT+) summer program June 23-27.

“The fact that we’ve already helped so many to continue to do what they love is truly gratifying,” he said. Newswise/SP