The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) have developed a comprehensive set of jointly authored advisory documents on neuromusculoskeletal and vocal health for musicians. Information of a medical nature is provided by PAMA: information regarding contextual issues in music programs, by NASM.
This section of the website provides a “tool kit” of documents focused on the neuromusculoskeletal and vocal health of musicians.
Please Note:
- Use of these documents is completely voluntary.
- These documents are not standards or procedures for NASM accreditation.
- NASM standards and procedures are found in the Handbook and Procedures for Institutions published separately by NASM.
- Information is subject to amendment or change at any time without prior notice.
NASM and PAMA acknowledge with gratitude the efforts of the many past and present professionals in various medical, research, and music-related fields who developed the scientific and practical information summarized in this set of resources. They express appreciation to the members of PAMA and NASM communities who made comments and suggestions on drafts of this and other documents in this web resource.
All of the resources described and linked below may be edited and customized to fit the local needs of departments, schools, or institutions. Any organization or institution may reproduce the documents in quantities sufficient for its own use, but not for sale. Notice of credit to NASM and PAMA should appear on all versions of these resources, both original and as edited for local use.
Before proceeding to the individual documents, please review these Important Notes.
The Tool Kit Resources
- Information for Administrators and Faculty
A compendium of information for administrators and faculty. This is the most complete document of the set.
Information and Recommendations for Administrators and Faculty
- Information for Faculty and Staff
A compendium of basic information for faculty and staff. Significantly shorter than document 1, we expect that this version will have the widest use among faculty. It may be customized for local use within an institution or music unit.
Information and Recommendations for Faculty and Staff
- Music Student Orientation: A Sample Order and Script
Basic information for in-person student orientation. This information may be used as a basis for developing an institution-specific approach to music student orientation. Institutions may wish to further customize the script and/or include local medical personnel in the orientation presentation or in a question-and-answer session following the presentation. A version geared toward customization by the institution is provided below.
Standard Version
Version for Customization
- Music Student Guide
A student guide based on the orientation script. This information may form the basis for developing a unique guide written from the institutional perspective. This resource may partner well with the orientation presentation in item 3. A version geared toward customization by the institution is provided below.
Standard Version
Version for Customization
- Student Information Sheet — Neuromusculoskeletal Health
A one-page summary of basic information for students. Institutions may wish to share this resource with students before, during, or after music student orientation. A version geared toward customization by the institution is provided below.
Standard Version
Version for Customization
- Student Information Sheet — Vocal Health
Another one-page summary of basic information for students, this resource focuses directly on one particular aspect of neuromusculoskeletal health: vocal health. Again, a version geared toward customization by the institution is provided below.
Standard Version
Version for Customization
We hope these resources are helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.