New York String Studio

Playing-related pain and injury. If you're a musician reading this, chances are you're currently experiencing it, have in the past, or know someone who is. Having survived a nearly career-ending injury myself (focal dystonia), I have some thoughts on the subject! Over the coming weeks I'll be offering five ideas on how to navigate the experience, and even come out better on the other side.

Tip #1. Be an Informed Advocate for Yourself. Know how many professionals I consulted before I finally found my path to healing? Six. It took a full year, and it was totally worth it. Do your research. Knowledge is power; learn to wield it on your own behalf and you will get past this. https://www.norakrohn.com/thebalancepoint/2021/10/22/5-tips-for-navigating-a-playing-related-injury-1-be-an-informed-advocate-for-yourself

P.S. If you know anyone who might benefit from these tips, please share! Thanks!

P.P.S. Si preferís leer este artículo en español, lo encontrarás acá: https://www.norakrohn.com/thebalancepoint/2021/10/22/5-consejos-para-atravesar-una-lesion-de-musico-1-informate-bien-para-cuidarte-bien

5 Tips for Navigating a Playing-Related Injury, #1: Be an Informed Advocate for Yourself — Nora Krohn When I was finally diagnosed with focal dystonia by one of the leading neurologists in the field, five months after my first symptoms, he watched me play a C-major scale and then briskly informed me I'd probably never play professionally again…

Friends, the moment has finally arrived. For anyone who's wondered where I've been for the past three years, here is your answer. I am overjoyed to be able to share that after a tremendous amount of hard work, I'm back onstage doing what I love most, and ready share everything I've learned. Hope to see more of all of you soon... https://www.norakrohn.com/writer/2021/10/16/the-season-of-my-dystonia
P.S. Si prefieres leer este artículo en español, lo encontrarás aquí: https://www.norakrohn.com/writer/2021/10/16/la-temporada-de-mi-distonia

The Season of My Dystonia — Nora Krohn I've probably played Vivaldi's Le quattro stagioni, or at least parts of it, several dozen times. A recording—on cassette tape, for anyone who remembers those—appeared in my Christmas stocking when I was about ten, and I practically wore it out from repeated listening. I couldn't have known at t...

Sharing music with others is one of the great joys of being a musician at any age or level. Congratulations to NYSS violist Norah Quasha on her great recital performance today!

Check out this article by New York String Studio teacher Nora Krohn on the power of your heart in overcoming criticism and self-doubt.

The Transformative Power of Caring A number of years ago a conductor I knew from a handful of previous engagements invited me to be a guest principal for a concert with a chamber orchestra in Europe. When I arrived at the first rehearsal, exhausted from the trip, I was feeling a little apprehensive at the prospect of leading