Texas Center for Performing Arts Health Research

The Texas Center for Performing Arts Health has established a vibrant research program to help with systematic advancements in knowledge, research training, musician and clinician education, and service.

The UNT College of Music offers extraordinary opportunity as a research site for faculty and students because of its large, diverse student and faculty population.

Our interdisciplinary research program focuses on collaborative efforts within and between the College of Music, UNT College of Arts & Sciences, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, College of Engineering, and the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth.

Below are selected citations by topic area.

National Recommendations/Policy

• Chesky K, Dawson WJ, Manchester R. Health promotion in schools of music: Initial recommendations for schools of music. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 2006 21(3):142-144.
• Chesky K. Hearing conservation in schools of music: The UNT model. Hearing Review 2006 13(3).

Music Education

• Chesky, K, Surve, S. Health & Wellness in the Music TEKS.  Southwestern Musician, Texas Music Educators Association. May 2016; 51-55.
• Amlani, A, Chesky, A. Hearing Preservation in Musicians. American Music Teacher. Music Teachers National Association, Inc. January 2015; 19.
• Chesky, K. Amlani, A. Hearing Conservation in Music Requires New Testing Standards. American Music Teacher. January 2015; 16.
• Laursen A, Chesky K. Addressing the NASM Health and Safety Standard through Curricular Changes in a Brass Methods Course: An Outcome Study. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 2014; 29(3): 136-143.
• Chesky,K. Schools of Music and Conservatories and Hearing Loss Prevention. International Journal of Audiology 2011; 50: S32–S37.
• Chesky, K. Hearing Conservation and Music Education. Seminars in Hearing, 2008; 29(1).
• Chesky K. Preventing Music-induced hearing loss. Music Educators Journal, 2008; 94(3):36-41.

Voice

• Austin R. K, Chesky K. Assessing Awareness and Knowledge of the Phonatory Onset in Collegiate Level Singers. Poster session presented at: Hollywood and health: bringing the best from east to west for performing artist-centric care. 37th Annual PAMA International Symposium; 2019 Jun 28- July 1; Hollywood, CL.

Musicians Earplug Research

• Chesky K, Amlani A. UNT Develops New Approach for Assessing Musicians Earplugs. Hearing Review 2016 23(1):30.
• Chesky K, Amlani A. An Acoustical Analysis of the Frequency-Attenuation Response of Musician Earplugs. Commun Disord Deaf Stud Hearing Aids (2015) 3:127. doi: 10.4172/2375-4427.1000127.
• Chesky, K. Pair, M. Yoshimura, E. Landford, S. Evaluation of Musician Earplugs with College Music Students. International Journal of Audiology. (2009) 48(9), 1-10.
• Chesky, K. HPD for student musicians – Is a hazard-based response appropriate? Spectrum: A Publication of the National Hearing Conservation Association. (2008) 25(4).

Sound Level Measurement, Hearing Health, and Control

• Powell, Jason W. Predictive Modeling for Persuasive Ambient Technology. Denton, Texas. UNT Digital Library. http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc804947/. Accessed April 11, 2016.
• Gopal, K., Chesky, K., Beschoner, L., Nelson, P., Stewert, B. Auditory Risk Assessment of College Music Students in Jazz Band-based Instructional Activity. Journal of Noise & Health. 2013 65(15):246-252.
• Lamb, C. Blueline Concerto: Critical essay. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2013. 1526849.
• Chesky, K. Measurement and Prediction of Sound Exposure Levels by University Wind Bands Medical Problems of Performing Artists (2010) 25(1) 29-34.
• Henoch M, Chesky K. Sound exposure levels experienced by a college jazz band ensemble: Comparison with OSHA risk criteria. Medical Problems of Performing Artists (2000) 15(1):17-22.

Hearing Loss Prevention

• Albin, A. Conductor awareness of, knowledge of, and attitude toward sound intensity levels generated during ensemble-based instructional activities in college-level schools of music. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2012. 3538078.
• Chesky, K. Pair, M. and Landford, S. College music student attitudes toward noise in youth culture. Noise and Health: A Quarterly Inter-disciplinary International Journal. 2009 11(42), 49-53.
• Henoch M, Chesky K. Ear canal resonance as a risk factor in music-induced hearing loss Medical Problems of Performing Artists 1999 14(3):103-106.
• Henoch M, Chesky K. Hearing loss and aging: implications for the professional musician. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 1999 14(2):76-79.

Marching Band

• Hatheway M, Chesky K. Epidemiology of Health Concerns Among Collegiate Student Musicians Participating in Marching Band. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 2013 28(4): 242-

Mental health/performance anxiety/drug and alcohol

• Zuhdi N, Taylor S. M, Chesky K. A systematic review of music performance anxiety (MPA) research: implications for researchers, schools of music administrators, music pedagogues, and PAM clinicians. Poster session presented at: Hollywood and health: bringing the best from east to west for performing artist-centric care. 37th Annual PAMA International Symposium; 2019 Jun 28- July 1; Hollywood, CL.
• DiPasquale, L. Harmony or discord: Disordered eating and personality traits of college music majors. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2012. 3538096.
• Schneider E, Chesky, K. Social Support and Performance Anxiety of College Music Students. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 2011. (26)3, 157.
• Thurber, M. Bodenhamer-Davis, E. Johnson, M. Chesky, K. Chandler, C. (2010). Effects of heart rate variability coherence biofeedback training and emotional management techniques to decrease music performance anxiety. Biofeedback 38(1), 28-39.
• Miller SR, Chesky K. The multidimensional anxiety theory: An assessment of & relationships between intensity and direction of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, & self-confidence over multiple performance requirements among college music students Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 2003 19(1):12-20.
• Raeburn SD, Hipple J, Delaney W, Chesky K. Surveying popular musicians’ health status using convenience samples. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 2003 18(3):113-119.
• Young, J. Brief symptom inventory: Music and non-music students. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 1999. 9945830.
• Young JA, Hipple J, Chesky K. Do music major clients present different problems than non-music major clients? Medical Problems of Performing Artists 1999 14(3):150-153.
• Chesky K, Hipple J. Musicians’ perceptions of widespread drug use among musicians. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 1999 14(4):187-195.
• Chesky K, Hipple J. Performance anxiety, alcohol-related problems, and social/emotional difficulties of college students: a comparative study between lower-division music and non-music majors. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 1997 12(4):126-132.

Strings

• Kim D, Zuhdi N, Chesky K. String players with hyperhidrosis: an investigation of performance problems due to excessive sweating. Poster session presented at: Hollywood and health: bringing the best from east to west for performing artist-centric care. 37th Annual PAMA International Symposium; 2019 Jun 28- July 1; Hollywood, CL.
• Meidell, Katrin Liza Epidemiological evaluation of pain among string instrumentalists University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2011. 3486493.

Piano

• Shamoto, Yoshiko. Piano-related musculoskeletal disorders: Posture and pain. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2013. 3579241.
• Yoshimura, E. Risk factors for piano-related pain among college students and piano teachers: Possible solutions for reducing pain by using the ergonomically modified keyboard. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2009. 3399464
• Yoshimura, E. Chesky, K. The Application of an Ergonomically Modified Keyboard to Reduce Piano-Related Pain. Music Teachers National Association E-Journal. (2009). 1(2), 2-13.
• Yoshimura E, Fjellman-Wiklund Paul, Aerts, Chesky. Risk factors for playing-related pain among piano teachers. Medical Problems of Performing Artists: 23(3): 107-111. 2008
• Chesky K, Yoshimura E; Furuya S Hand size and PRMDs in Japanese female pianists. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 2007. 22(1):39-40
• Yoshimura E, Paul PM, Aerts C, Chesky K. Risk factors for piano-related pain among college students. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 2006. 21(3):118-125
• Pak CH, Chesky K . Prevalence of hand, finger, and wrist musculoskeletal problems in keyboard instrumentalists: The University of North Texas Musician Health Survey Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 2001. 16(1):17-23.
• Pak., C. Prevalence of hand, finger, and wrist musculoskeletal problems in keyboard instrumentalists: The University of North Texas Musician Health Survey. University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2000. 1402611

Woodwinds

• Davis M, Zuhdi N, Chesky K. Epidemiology of saxophonists’ occupational health problems. Poster session presented at: Hollywood and health: bringing the best from east to west for performing artist-centric care. 37th Annual PAMA International Symposium; 2019 Jun 28- July 1; Hollywood, CL.
• Dunbar S, Surve S, Chesky K, Fisher C, Patterson R. Facial Muscle Activation Patterns Across Woodwind Instruments. Poster session presented at: Hollywood and health: bringing the best from east to west for performing artist-centric care. 37th Annual PAMA International Symposium; 2019 Jun 28- July 1; Hollywood, CL.
• Adduci, M. Dynamic measurement of intraoral pressure and sound pressure with laryngoscopic characterization during oboe performance. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2011. 3529206.
• Thompson, L. Risk factors for flute-related pain among high school and college students. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2008. 3326827.
• Spence C: Prevalence rates for medical problems among flautists: A comparison of the UNT–Musician Health Survey and the Flute Health Survey. Medical Problems Performing Artists 16:99–101, 2001.
• Thrasher M. Chesky K. Prevalence of Medical Problems among Double Reed Performers Medical Problems Performing Artists Dec 2001 Vol 16 No 4.
• Chesky KS, Kondraske G, Rubin B. Effect of elastic neck strap on right thumb force and force angle during clarinet performance Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine 2000 42(8):775-776
• Chesky KS, Kondraske G, Rubin B. The Texas Center for Music and Medicine explores the biomechanics of clarinet performance The Clarinet 2000 27(2):34-36.
• Thrasher M, Chesky K. Medical problems of Saxophonists: a comparison of physical and psychosocial dysfunction among classical and non-classical performers Saxophone Symposium 1999 24:77-84.
• Chesky, K., Kondraske G., & Rubin, B. Forces Against the Right Thumb during Clarinet Performance. Arthritis & Reumatism, 42, suppl: 1411. 1999
• Thrasher M, Chesky K. Medical problems of Clarinetists: Results from the UNT Musician Health Survey. The Clarinet 1998 25(4):24-27.
• Thrasher M, Chesky KS. Medical problems of Clarinetists: results from the UNT Musician Health Survey. Texas Music Educators Research 1998 69-74.

Brass

• Ford, J. A scientific characterization of trumpet mouthpiece forces in the context of pedagogical brass literature. University of North Texas, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2007. 3300940.
• Devroop K, Chesky K. Comparison of biomechanical forces generated during trumpet performance in contrasting settings. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 2002 17(4):149-154
• Chesky K, Devroop K, Ford J III. Medical problems of brass instrumentalists: prevalence rates for trumpet, trombone, French horn, and low brass. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 2002 17(2):93-98.

Percussion

• Sandell, C. Frykman, M. Chesky, K. Fjellman-Wiklund, A. Playing-related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Stress-related Health Problems among Percussionists. Medical Problems of Performing Artists. (2009). 24(4), 175-183.

Guitar

• Zuhdi N, Chesky K, Surve S. Classical Guitar Survey:  influence of intensity and frequency of site-specific pain on musical performance. Poster session presented at: No gain with pain: preventing and overcoming physical and emotional pain in performing artists. 35th Annual PAMA International Symposium; 2017 Jun 28- July 1; Snowmass, CO.
• Fjellmann-Wiklund A, Chesky K Musculoskeletal and general health problems of acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electric bass, and banjo players. Medical Problems of Performing Artists 2006 21(4):169-176.