Life in the orchestra

The concert soloist and conductor are prominent figures within the orchestra. Their roles make extraordinary demands on them--demands that must often be fulfilled while dealing with the problems of travel. Maintaining one's skill is a constant concern. The orchestra musician is also constantly on guard to maintain performance excellence. Unusual work patterns, obsession with the job, and job stress can put pressure on home life. The strong emotional personality of the orchestra musician must adapt to the conductor's desires and musical tradition. The player must coordinate performance with other group members. Other factors contribute to an environment with rigid boundaries and to the isolation of orchestra members as a group. With the development of performing arts medicine, injuries are less stigmatized and better treated, and performance stress is better managed. A patient's view of medicine is offered here.