Author Identifier
Nicola Demandolx: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1802-7899
Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
First Supervisor
Matt Styles
Second Supervisor
Luke Hopper
Third Supervisor
Joanna Nicholas
Abstract
Performance health and wellbeing for the saxophonist is an understudied area within the larger discipline of musicians’ health. Few studies have examined how to improve the psychological and physical health of saxophonists, although the area is fortunately increasing in academic interest. Drawing from exemplars in sports science, an area with extensive research history in performance and injury management, there are several principles and methods that could be applied to saxophonists’ practice and training to potentially support injury prevention through risk mitigation and performance quality. In addition, many creative research studies from within music and health science disciplines have provided support for the use of yoga, breathing exercises, mindfulness and other concepts at improving performative and health outcomes, especially in areas of peak performance, injury management, mindset, health and wellbeing.
The aims of this PhD project were to investigate performance health and wellbeing for saxophonists, through three key elements across four separate studies: cohort perspectives and experiences of playing-related health and wellbeing; aspects of physical and mental load during saxophone practice and performance; and the implementation of an interdisciplinary practice program.
Throughout this thesis, the feasibility of an interdisciplinary practice program was evaluated in both supporting injury prevention and performance enhancement. Initially, the practice program was trialled as a practice-led self study, refined, then implemented within a cohort training study. Key themes were identified pertinent to injury management, skill acquisition, recovery, health and wellbeing concerns. A cohort background study was used to gather saxophonists’ perspectives and experiences, with key themes on health literacy and education, performance anxiety, occupational demands, performance-related injury and pain experience. One study involved physiological measures to quantify the physical load of saxophone performance and practice, using heart rate monitors, rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate measurements. Many of the findings from this body of work may be individually used to modify an existing practice, in the interests of undertaking sustainable practice that supports performance, health and wellbeing. Study outcomes may assist in directing future research with larger and more diverse study populations, inform development of practical resources for pedagogy and performance, and build upon existing understanding of saxophone-specific performance health needs to guide future performing arts research.
DOI
10.25958/0pw7-x012
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 7th August 2027
Access to the appendices of this thesis is not available
Recommended Citation
Demandolx, N. (2025). Performance health for saxophonists: Exploring methods for peak performance and injury prevention. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/0pw7-x012