About the Author

Alan H. D. Watson is Senior Lecturer in Anatomy and Neuroscience in the School of Bioscience at Cardiff University. He also teaches a course on music biology at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Reviews

This work fills a gap in the written knowledge on work and performance-related injuries specific to musicians....An in-depth index enables use of this work as a reference, while the numerous illustrations enhance the comprehensibility of the often complex subjects associated with music biology. A valuable work for any practicing or training musician, this work is also a great resource in any medical-related library where there is a need to understand this unique population's concerns and issues. * American Reference Books Annual, May 2009 *
Papers devoted to this subject are scarce. A whole book like this, who covers all kind of instrument-from the human voice up to wind or cord instruments-mixed with up-to-dated concepts on the neurology of performing or learning music is a black pearl. Highly readable with very good drawings. Further editions will turn it in the Bible of musician injuries. Extremely good and complete bibliography....Congratulations to both the author-Alan H. D. Watson-and the publisher-Scarecrow Press, Inc. -- C. Blejer, Former Orthopaedic Surgeon
This may be the book that many readers have been waiting for . . . it attempts to bridge the chasm, more often successfully than not, between the scientist/health care professional and the musician. . . . The author's writing is straightforward and clear, with a tone more scientific than artistic. . . . Overall, I can highly recommend The Biology of Musical Performance and Performance Related Injury. * JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, March 2010 *
The best book in its field yet to be published ...is highly recommended for those in any discipline who are committed to the performance health of musicians.... Besides being a pleasure to read, the book is a scholarly work that is amply documented with appropriate references. To supplement the written work, numerous deceptively simple figures illustrate the text and often provide additional information.... This is a unique and outstanding book that readers will find to be good reading as well as informative. Unquestionably, it belongs in the libraries of all universities where music is taught and in music conservatories. The Biology of Musical Performance and Performance-Related Injury should be required reading for instrumental and vocal teachers alike, whereas for those concerned with the medical well-being of musicians it is a near encyclopedic source of information applicable to patient care, both preventive and therapeutic. * Music Reference Services Quarterly *
This impressive book is highly recommended for college libraries as well as scholarly readers. The text is accessible and very informative.... Successful.... An excellent book on an important topic. -- Geary H. Larrick * NACWPI Journal, May 2009 *
This will undoubtedly be an invaluable resource for those researching the physiology and biomechanics of performing musicians. In light of this, music performance students would no doubt benefit from having access to this book. Additionally, any institution or centre conducting related research would be well advised to acquire a copy. * British Journal of Music Education *
This book was drawn to my attention with the comment 'Read it - it is fantastic!' I have now read it, and totally agree with that verdict....The length of this review is indicative of the wealth of information and understanding that I think is relevant to singing teachers, and which is presented here in an amazingly understandable and comprehensive format. * Singing Magazine *