College of Visual and Performing Arts | Music | Student Wellness in the School of Music

Student Wellness in the School of Music

Wellness is essential for one’s academics, relationships, and artistic success. The School of Music cares about the health and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.  We encourage everyone to consider wellness within the context of musical practice and to develop a lifelong wellness plan.

This page includes resources on mental, neuromusculoskeletal, hearing, and vocal health for musicians. The materials provided are informational in nature and are intended to provide a broad introduction to the occupational health concerns of student musicians. This information is not intended to substitute for the expertise of healthcare professionals. Students, faculty, and staff should seek professional advice about their specific health and well-being concerns.

Learn more about Campus Wellness Initiatives

Personal Safety

    • Life-Threatening Situation
      • UNCG Police (24 hours) –  336.334.4444
      • UNCG Police (Text) –  336.447.3898
    • Non-Emergency

    Wellness Course Offerings

      VPA 210 Body Mapping: What Every Performer Needs to Know About the Body (2 cr.)

      Introduces the concept of body mapping (our mental representations of structure, function, and size) and provides a weekly laboratory for “updating” these maps during practical activity and experimental movement. 

      Prerequisites: Freshman, sophomore, or junior standing.

      VPA 254 The Alexander Technique for Performers (3 cr.)

      An active and scholarly exploration of the Alexander Technique to unlock creativity, discover freedom and ease in performance, reduce stress and tension throughout the body, and prevent related injuries.

      MAC: MAC Health and Wellness

      DCE 235 Yoga for Everybody (3 cr.)

      An introductory study of yoga as a mind and body practice that develops somatic (mind/body) wellness for everyone. 

      MAC: MAC Health and Wellness

      DCE 244 Pilates for a Healthy Body (3 cr.)

      An introductory study of Pilates as a body/mind practice that develops physical competency and enhances quality of life through exercise, breath awareness and healthy living practice. 

      MAC: MAC Health and Wellness

      DCE 330 Iyengar Yoga: Somatic Practice (1 cr.)

      Study of a somatic artform as articulated in the Iyengar Yoga method. Iyengar Yoga focuses on alignment, sequencing of poses and yoga philosophy through the study of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. 

      Notes: May be repeated twice for credit.

      NTR 213 Introductory Nutrition (3 cr.)

      Basic principles of human nutrition with emphasis on the nutrients and factors which affect their utilization in the human body. 

      MAC: MAC Health and Wellness

      HEA 201 Personal Health (3 cr.)

      Study of determinants of healthful and safe living for various age groups; emphasis on analyses and interpretations of research methods and findings within a social ecological conceptual framework. 

      MAC:MAC Health and Wellness 
      Notes: Fulfills teacher licensure requirements. Elective for all others.

      HEA 231 Athlete Health and Sport Performance (3 cr.)

      This course will address the prevention of acute and chronic effects of health issues on athlete health and sport performance within various socio-ecological systems that athletes operate within. 

      HEA 310 Mental Health and Well-Being (3 cr.)

      Study of mental health issues and emotional well-being emphasizing mental disorders, stigma, and disparities in intervention approaches. Also covers social, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness.

      Injury Prevention and Fitness

        Musicians execute a wide array of skills that can be physically and emotionally challenging, with our bodies serving as our primary instruments. Students should consult regularly with their primary applied studio teachers about how to practice and perform effectively and safely.  The goal is increasing self-awareness and preventing injury before it occurs. If you are experiencing pain, immediately consult with your primary applied studio teacher and appropriate healthcare professionals.

        Vocal health is addressed in the following School of Music courses:

        MUP 428/627/727 Principles of Vocal Pedagogy (3 cr.)

        Teaching process as applied to singing. Includes historical development and an examination and comparison of concepts and approaches past and present. Prerequisites: Senior standing as a voice major or principal or permission of instructor .

        MUE 462 Singing Voice in Classrooms and Ensembles (2 cr.)

        Provides an overview of vocal anatomy/function, care of the voice, vocal repertoire, teaching strategies, and other specialized topics related to singing instruction in music classrooms and choral settings.

        Prerequisites: MUE 261 Foundations of Teaching for Musical Understanding

        MUP 728 Advanced Vocal Pedagogy (3 cr.)

        Practical application of proven pedagogical techniques in a supervised teaching situation. 

        Prerequisites: MUP 627 Principles of Vocal Pedagogy

        Vocal health is further addressed below:

        • Private Voice Lessons and Choral Ensembles also address aspects of vocal health.
        • School of Music voice studios hold master classes and clinics on topics related to best practices and healthy habits for vocal health.
        • School of Music Voice faculty have completed coursework in Vocology and/or Vocal Pedagogy
        • While we no longer offer diagnostic screenings through our campus speech clinic, students who need vocal therapy and voice evaluations are referred to the voice care centers of Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital and Duke University Hospital.

        The School of Music and various studios offer programs for students focused on building and maintaining healthy practices, increasing personal wellness, and developing strategies for reducing and managing stress.

        Therapy dogs often visit the University Libraries during finals week in an effort to reduce stress on campus.

        The Leonard J. Kaplan Center for Wellness at UNC Greensboro has a wealth of wellness resources and activities for students.

        The Kaplan Center provides 216,000-square-feet of recreation space that includes 23,000 sq. ft. weight/cardio space, lap and leisures pools, multi-activity courts, and more. The center sponsors over 17 sports clubs with more than 700 student participants and over 50 adventure trips and events including backpacking, bouldering, canoeing, caving, hiking, rock climbing, coastal kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, whitewater kayaking, and rafting.

        The facilities include:

        • 23,000 square feet of. weight/cardio space
        • 3-Court Multi-Purpose Gym
        • 2-Court Multi-Purpose Gym
        • 2-Court Multi-Activity Court (MAC)
        • Group Fitness Studios
        • Spartan Terrace
        • 54 foot Climbing Wall
        • Bouldering Wall
        • Inclusive Dry Sauna
        • Natatorium (Competition and Activity Pools)
        • Outdoor Pool Patio
        • 2 Racquetball Courts
        • Mat Room
        • 3-Lane Indoor Running Track
        • Spiro’s Lounge (Table Tennis, Billiards, Shuffleboard)
        • Meeting Spaces
        • Locker Rooms (Inclusive, Men’s, and Women’s)
        • Zen Zone (Nap Pods and Hydromassage Chairs)

        The Department of Recreation and Wellness offers a wide variety of in-person and on-demand classes to students and members. Classes range from strength and conditioning, flexibility, cardio dance to mental wellness formats.

        View the Current Group Fitness Offerings

        Personal Trainers are able to design customized workout plans, provide ongoing motivation and support, and keep you accountable. UNCG Personal Trainers are dedicated to helping you achieve your specific fitness goals.

        Learn more about Personal Training

        Hearing Protection Program

          The School of Music will maintain a Hearing Protection Program (HPP) to monitor and educate students about the potential of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The HPP is managed by the HPP Program Associate. 

          Monitoring via Screenings

          The main work of the HPP will be to screen students for NIHL. The requirement will be that all undergraduate students enrolled in an ENS designated course will complete a hearing screening once per academic year. The requirement applies to both music majors and non-majors. Only one screening per year is required as a result of participation in an ENS course in either the fall or spring semesters. Screenings will be offered by qualified personnel, preferably clinical AuD or PhD students from the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), as possible, and will occur in the Music Building (currently room 161). As is feasible, screenings occur in the morning hours to minimize the sound exposure before screening. Referrals and recommendations will be provided for any students whose screening may indicate NIHL or other abnormalities. This part of the program is administered by the HPP Program Associate, in collaboration with personnel from the UNCG Speech and Hearing Center. 

          Monitoring via Sound Level Measurements

          The Program Associate will also measure sound levels in large ensembles once per academic year. Noise Dosimeters will be utilized to record sound levels for the duration of a rehearsal. The HPP Program Associate will schedule the visits after consultation with Ensemble Directors in advance of the intended rehearsal. Duration of the rehearsal, average dB level, and % dose will be recorded. Data will be available to the Director of the School of Music or their designee.  

          Education

          The HPP Program Associate will also seek ways to educate students about the potential of NIHL. This may occur as written communications to students enrolled in ENS courses, a HPP website, a Canvas ORG, First-Year orientation, or guest presentations in academic courses. Presentations will follow the NASM-PAMA Advisories on Hearing Health.

          Body and Mind Wellness

            Student Health Services provides collaborative health care designed to empower students to develop lifelong skills that enhance their physical, psychological and wellness status in an inclusive and affirming environment and promote student success and retention. Services include:

            Location
            Student Health Services
            Gove Student Health Center
            107 Gray Drive, Greensboro, NC 27412
            336.334.5340
            Monday through Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Counseling & Psychological Services and Medical Clinic)
            Monday through Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Pharmacy)
            Weekends: Closed

            Student Health Services

            Counseling & Psychological Services offers a wide range of services designed to support the personal growth, academic success, and emotional health of currently enrolled UNCG students, as well as services and programs to promote positive well-being throughout the university community. The services include group therapy, support groups, individual therapy, workshops, crisis intervention, psychiatry services, consultation, and outreach activities. They work collaboratively with students to identify goals and determine the most effective treatment options. 

            Location
            Counseling & Psychological Services Center
            2nd Floor, Gove Student Health Center
            107 Gray Drive, Greensboro, NC 27412
            336.334.5874
            Monday through Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
            Weekends: Closed

            Counseling and Psychological Services

            The Campus Violence Response Center’s (CVRC) mission is to create a single point of access for any UNCG community member who has experienced violence. Their team of confidential staff understands the impact of violence, including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual or gender-based harassment, and all other forms of campus violence. The CVRC provides survivors with affirming, empowering, and confidential services. Services include victim advocacy, counseling (trauma specialty), and groups/workshops.

            Location
            Campus Violence Response Center
            Ground Floor, Gove Student Health Center
            107 Gray Drive, Greensboro, NC 27412
            336.334.9839

            Campus Violence Response Center

            Responding to Students in Distress Quick Reference Guide

            Download Guide: Responding to Students in Distress (PDF)
            • Life Threatening Situation
              • UNCG Police (24 hours) – 336.334.4444
              • UNCG Police (Text) – 336.447.3898
            • Non-Emergency
            • Classroom Management Concerns
              • Undergraduate Teaching & Learning Commons – 336.334.5980
            • Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom Policy
            • Student Code of Conduct or Academic Integrity Policy
              • Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities – 336.334.4640
            • Residence Life Resource
              • Housing & Residence Life – 336.334.5636
            • Health & Mental Health Resources
              • Counseling & PsychologicalServices –336.334.5874
              • Student Health Services – 336.334.5340
              • Campus Violence Response Center – 336.334.9839
              • Moses Cone Behavioral Health Center (24 hours) – 336.832.9700
              • National Suicide Hotline:
                • 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (273-8255)
            • Administrative Resources
              • Dean of Students Office (Multiple Student Issues) – 336.334.5514
              • Graduate School – 336.334.5596
              • International Programs Center – 336.334.5404