Presenter: Dr. William Dawson
The neuromusculoskeletal system is most commonly involved in playing/singing-related overuse and misuse, and pain is the commonest symptom. Dr. Dawson discusses some reasons for the individual differences in prevalence, onset, and location of these physical problems, as well as the causes and music-related mechanics of muscular disorders. He explains how both student and teacher can recognize the signs and manage playing-related problems and provides preventive strategies designed to preserve a budding musical career.
Dr. William Dawson, Associate Professor Emeritus of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University, is a Past President of the Performing Arts Medicine Association and serves on the editorial board of Medical Problems of Performing Artists. He is medical consultant to the International Double Reed Society and the Association of Concert Bands. Dr. Dawson is the author of the book, Fit as a Fiddle: The Musician’s Guide to Playing Healthy and more than 180 scientific articles, textbook chapters, and abstracts on performing arts medicine topics. He has presented lectures, seminars, and clinics in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia. He is a member of NAfME and the College Music Society.
Dr. Dawson currently is the contrabassoonist of the Evanston (IL) Symphony Orchestra and principal bassoonist of the Glenview Concert Band. He has performed as soloist with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, the Community Symphony Orchestra of the Music Institute of Chicago, the Highland Park Symphonic Winds, and frequently at Aspen, Colorado. Dr. Dawson has been the principal bassoonist of the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the Highland Park Symphonic Winds, He has taught bassoon privately for 20 years and is a sought-after performer and clinician. His bassoon teachers have included Samuel Jordan and Willard Elliot.