Harpa Hungarica - Erzsébet Gaál

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to identify and define the occurrence of occupational-related problems among harpists.

A questionnaire was developed and mailed to 500 harpists residing in 47 countries. The subjects ranged in age from 12 through 63. A vast majority of the respondents (89 percent) were female. The questionnaire sought information about physical and mental fatigue, physical discomfort, practice habits, physical wellness, and other matters that are of special concern to harpists.

The relatively high response rate (38 percent) to 500 questionnaires is evidence of the timeliness and interest in the topic among harpists. Findings suggest that the professional demands of harp playing, such as work conditions, harp moving, varied repertory, adapting to unfamiliar instruments, contribute to the high occurrence of physical and mental fatigue as well as potential injury of harpists.

While many harpists recognize the need for physical conditioning, warm-up, and general wellness, an alarming percentage reported that they do not take measures to prevent problems. One reason for lack of prevention of problems is the lack of information and training about appropriate physical conditioning for harp playing. The study also showed that a large percent of the harpists who returned the questionnaire would like to see new methods for the improvement of harp teaching and performances made available in a harp program for students. This would include daily physical exercises in addition to practice and course work.

The study confirms the need for a physical wellness program that is designed specifically for harpists by those who understand artistic as well as physical issues.



Incidence of Occupational-Related Problems Among Harpists Erzsébet Gaál
	Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify and define the occurrence of occupational-related problems among harpists. A questionnaire was developed and mailed to 500 harpists residing in 47 countries. The subjects ranged in age from 12 through 63. A vast majority of the respondents (89 percent) were female. The questionnaire sought information about physical and mental fatigue, physical discomfort, practice habits, physical wellness, and other matters that are of special concern to harpists. The relatively high response rate (38 percent) to 500 questionnaires is evidence of the timeliness and interest in the topic among harpists. Findings suggest that the professional demands of harp playing, such as work conditions, harp moving, varied repertory, adapting to unfamiliar instruments, contribute to the high occurrence of physical and mental fatigue as well as potential injury of harpists. While many harpists recognize the need for physical conditioning, warm-up, and general wellness, an alarming percentage reported that they do not take measures to prevent problems. One reason for lack of prevention of problems is the lack of information and training about appropriate physical conditioning for harp playing. The study also showed that a large percent of the harpists who returned the questionnaire would like to see new methods for the improvement of harp teaching and performances made available in a harp program for students. This would include daily physical exercises in addition to practice and course work. The study confirms the need for a physical wellness program that is designed specifically for harpists by those who understand artistic as well as physical issues.
	The results of the survey suggest the following: 1. A significant response rate (38% or 190 of 500 questionnaires) suggests the timeliness and importance of the study. 2. The professional demands of harp playing, such as work conditions, harp moving, varied repertory, adapting to unfamiliar instruments, contribute to the high occurrence of physical and mental fatigue, as well as potential injury of harpists. 3. Some harpists experience physical and mental fatigue within one hour of playing. A larger number report fatigue between 2 and 3 hours of their practice or rehearsal period. 4. For a large number of harpists, physical and mental fatigue stay with them from 30 minutes to 3 hours after playing. 5. The back, shoulders and neck are the areas of discomfort most frequently experienced by harpists. 6. While many harpists recognize the need for physical conditioning, warm-up and general wellness, an alarming percentage do not take measures to prevent problems. 7. One reason for lack of prevention of problems is the lack of information and training about appropriate physical conditioning for harp playing. 8. There is wide agreement that more attention should be given to physical factors as part of harp instruction. 9. The length of practice sessions for most respondents was between 1 and 2 hours. 10. The most common physical activity among harpists is walking.
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