Success Beyond The Score

Performance art demands the better and the most from creatives. Our physical and mental capabilities are always being tested. We engage our memory to learn the parts of our act and be able to perform them on stage from beginning to end, and we need endurance to withstand it without losing our energy and presence. We require quick problem-solving skills to react accordingly if something goes wrong (and how many things can and will go wrong!), along with good stress and anxiety management. Our craft has an impact in different parts of our body: tendons and joints for dancers, vocal cords and respiratory system for singers, etc. For all of this, a health service specialised in the needs of performing artists is essential for the survival of our industry.

This is where BAPAM, the British Association of Performance Arts Medicine, comes into play. Established in 1984, it is now the largest provider of clinical services to the UK's performing arts sector, supporting everybody from students t...

As a musician, you may notice that, some times, parts of your body do not respond as quickly as they used to when delivering your music. If you are a singer, you may find that your vocal range has changed or diminished. As a violinist, you may experience pain in your neck and shoulders. Drummers may be familiar with stiffness and soreness on the knees and shins. Every instrument comes with particular challenges to the body and mind that can take a toll.

In Millicent's case, there was a moment when playing the piano brought her difficulties in her hands. She experienced pain on her fingers, and the knuckle joints would cramp or lock. At the time, she got an e-mail from the Musicians' Union, saying that a doctor specialised in musicians' ailments would visit Birmingham soon, and that members could book an appointment if needed. That's how she got in contact with the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM).

The professionals at BAPAM corrected the diagnosis given by Mil...