Around the Hand

A packed hall of interested musicians, specialists in music medicine, and other interested individuals had the opportunity to delve into the topic of mental training at last year’s successful symposium.

This year's symposium focuses on the hand—a body part that is of great significance to most female musicians, yet complex and multifaceted for medical professionals.

How is it possible—and, above all, how does it remain possible—for fingers to fly across the piano keys at top speed, for the correct position on a string to be found with precision, or for a drummer to reach speeds of up to several thousand beats per minute with his drumsticks?

Ingrid Hauser, concert pianist and music educator, explores this question in her presentation and workshop titled «Approaching the Instrument with Finger Sensitivity—What Exactly Is Fine Motor Skills?» Leonhard Königseder, a musician, sports psychologist, and educator, reveals in his presentation and workshop why our hands tremble or don’t always do what we want them to or what we’ve practiced. What solutions are available?

Dystonia researcher Dr. J. Doll-Lee, M.D., will discuss the latest findings on the causes and prevention of focal dystonia—a nightmare for many musicians—via Zoom. The renowned and experienced hand surgeon and music physician, Prof. J. Blum, will share insights from his many years of challenging work with musicians’ hands.

Rounding out the program—but no less important—are presentations by Oliver Margulies of Handlabor ZHdK (“100 Hand Characteristics—Practical Application”) and by music therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists (“Instrument Modifications, Hand Therapy”). To liven things up a bit, the audience will be given a small motor and sensory challenge. Let yourself be surprised!