dallas mental health resources
North Texas 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline
"If you are in crisis or have suicidal thoughts, please call our suicide crisis hotline at 214-828-1000. You can also text "CONNECT" to 741741 anytime to reach trained, caring volunteers at the National Crisis Text Line.
Emergency Support Services in Dallas, TX
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.SAFE
Adult & Child Abuse Hotline: 1.800.252.5400
Al-Anon & Alateen: 214.363.0461
Alcoholics Anonymous: 972.239.4599
Family Violence Legal Line: 1.800.374.HOPE
Rape Crisis Center: 214.590.0430
Suicide Crisis Center: 214.824.7020
books for classical musicians
A Soprano on Her Head by Eloise Ristad
This book explores the inner thought processes that may lead to anxiety, muscular tension, and feelings of defeat. Using a witty sense of humor and her own experience as a professor, Ristad encourages readers to learn about the body, experiment with awareness exercises, and minimize negative self-talk.
The Musician's Way by Gerald Klickstein
Klickstein discusses all elements of musicianship in this book: from the process of choosing new repertoire to creating a functional practice space to the need for proper ear plugs. It is a comprehensive book to musicians' wellness.
The Art of Practicing by Madeline Bruser
Bruser challenges the musician's perception of the origins of sound, provides mini-meditations to aid with focus, and discusses the alignment of the body necessary to ease performance and practice.
Fit as a Fiddle by William J. Dawson
As both a hand surgeon and principal bassoonist, Dr. Dawson has amassed a lifetime of experience into this anatomically educational book. While Dawson focuses mainly on the structures of the hand and forearm, he dives deep into these areas, providing diagrams of bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and symptoms of common injuries.
Body Mapping for Flutists by Lea Pearson
This book is essential for flutists and musicians alike! Pearson uses the lens of body mapping to bring greater awareness to all parts of the body. Beginner-friendly language describes anatomical structures in the body alongside illustrations to aid in comprehension. Visualization exercises aid in discovering proper alignment and ease.
Musicians Yoga by Mia Olson
This book compiles yoga postures, meditations, visualizations, and breathing exercises in a fun, beginner-friendly way. It is the definitive book on yoga for musicians and is a wonderful addition to any musician's library!
The Musician's Body: A Maintenance Manual for Peak Performance by Jaume Rosset i Llobet
A wealth of colorful graphs, illustrations, and charts set this text apart. This book educates musicians about anatomy, breathing, memorization, and how the body works to play an instrument. It enumerates the ways that musicians put their bodies at risk, recommends exercises to benefit specific muscle groups, and includes a table of suggested modifications to ease physical pain.
Playing (Less) Hurt: An Injury Prevention Guide for Musicians by Janet Horvath
Horvath defines overuse, stressors of a musical lifestyle, and details symptoms that may point to injury. This book dives into specifics of various injuries, preventative approaches, sample practice plans, illustrated exercises to target specific areas, hearing loss prevention, and includes many further resources.