A blog dedicated to a holistic and sustainable perspective on health and music.

Not all Valsalva is the same. Survey data from 67 brass and wind players reveals whether yours is a skill problem, a system problem, or both.

Breathing exercises are essential for fixing Valsalva, but only when used correctly. Learn the three-step approach that actually produces lasting results.

Most brass and wind players have been working on Valsalva for years. Here's why effort alone doesn't fix it, and what actually has to change first.

If you can't relax even away from your instrument, it's not a mental block — it's a whole-body pattern. Learn the 4 signs your system is already stuck in Valsalva, even at rest.

Over 70% of brass and wind players surveyed reported dealing with Valsalva maneuver symptoms for two or more years. Most described it as moderately to significantly limiting. Here's why it persists, and what actually addresses it.

A musician’s winter embouchure care guide with simple tips to reduce tension, improve recovery, protect your lips, and keep your playing consistent during holiday gig season. Includes hydration, sleep, humidifier use, warm-downs, and jaw/neck assessments.

Support and wind-playing. What happens when traditional cues don't help? What happens when tension persists and won't go away? It's not your cues, it's your approach! Let's talk about it.

Welcome to the fourteenth post of The Artist Series, where I interview musicians who have overcome injuries to help demystify performance-re