Hello and welcome to Playing Well! I’m Randall Kertz, a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and bassist in private practice in suburban Chicago, and I specialize in injury prevention, treatment, and management for musicians, a topic I write and lecture about extensively.
Designed as a way to let many frustrated guitarists continue playing, Rock-iT Barre was created to play guitar chords (and still allow for some fingering) for experienced guitarists who have developed arthritis or for those who have a missing digit.
To many people, music is simply a tool for relaxation, distraction, focus, or fun. To parents, it’s often just another after-school activity that keeps their child busy. But what many people don’t realize is that, if utilized correctly, music can literally change the human brain both physically and cognitively. Scientists in areas like neuroscience and […]
Whether you are a professional guitar player, play the guitar for fun, or are just beginning your guitar-playing journey with a passion to learn, music is a great outlet for relieving stress and expressing yourself. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind in relation to playing the guitar and maintaining your […]
Musicians know that music can help the mind and soul. Songs can help you express how you are feeling at a particular moment. They can remind you of emotions or events from your past. People have been using music to feel better for centuries. Over the past few decades, there has been more research on […]
By Jennifer Johnson Body Mapping is the method, first discovered by cellist William Conable and then thoroughly developed by Barbara Conable, to teach musicians how to move according to the true anatomical design of the body in order to prevent injury and enhance facility and artistry. During her years teaching the Alexander Technique, Barbara realized […]
Looking after your voice presents a different set of challenges to looking after an external instrument. Your vocal cords are a part of your body and as such are subject to all the trials and tribulations our bodies undergo on a daily basis. It’s no coincidence that just about everything on the list of vocal […]
When planning your next summer performance, take measures to prevent common dangers caused by performing in the summer heat.
Music influences us constantly on a day to day basis, from jingles for a restaurant to various playlists that influence our mood.
Humans have, for a long time, enjoyed entertainment in the form of soothing music. Ideally, and as proven by empirical studies, the benefits of listening to music is noted in its impact on our memory and emotional stability. Additionally, there is evidence showing that melody can indeed help us to heal from certain illnesses and […]