Health and Safety Resources for Students, Faculty, and Staff
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is of the utmost importance to the UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music. This page provides helpful information on hearing, vocal, musculoskeletal and mental health issues for musicians. Much of this health related information was developed through a joint effort of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA).
We hope this information will be beneficial to all who read it, but please note that it is not meant to substitute for the knowledge, advice and care provided by trained, licensed medical professionals. The University of Georgia and the Hugh Hodgson School of Music encourage all students, faculty, staff and others to follow up directly with a medical professional about any health-related issues you are experiencing or have concern with.
UGA Resources
Athens is home to specialists in many related areas. Information on these may be provided by your personal physician or a general internet search. Students and Faculty may also contact the University Heath Center for primary medical care, counseling, wellness, and other health related support. The University Health Center is located on south campus, not far from the School of Music. Specific resources are provided in specific subject areas below.
University Health Center
55 Carlton Street
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-1162
http://www.uhs.uga.edu/index.html
Directions and Map:
https://www.uhs.uga.edu/about/location
Hearing Information
For Students
- NASM Hearing Protection
- NASM Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
- Protecting Your Hearing Health: Information on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
For Faculty, Administrators and Staff
- NASM Basic Hearing Information for Administration and Staff
- NASM Basic Hearing Information for Faculty and Staff
UGA Resources
UGA College of Education: Speech and Hearing Clinic: The Hugh Hodgson School of Music works with the faculty and staff of the Speech and Hearing Clinic annually to provide free voice and hearing evaluations. Watch for announcements for specific dates, times and locations. This clinic provides comprehensive prevention, evaluation, and treatment of hearing, swallowing, and communication disorders and differences. If you or someone you know is having problems with hearing, swallowing, or communication issues, please contact them directly:
UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic
593 Aderhold Hall
110 Carlton Street
Athens, GA 30602
706-542-4598
* They also have information on musician’s ear plugs.
Additional Links:
- OSHA: Occupational Noise Exposure
- New Orleans Musicians' Clinic: Hearing Loss and Decibel Levels
- GCAudio: Decibel (Loudness) Comparison Chart
Neuromusculoskeletal and Voice Information
For Students
- Protect Your Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health Every Day
- Protecting Your Neuromusculoskeletal Health: Student Information Sheet
- Protecting Your Vocal Health: Student Information Sheet
For Faculty, Administrators and Staff
- NASM Information and Recommendations for Administrators and Faculty
- NASM Information and Recommendations for Faculty and Staff
Additional Links:
- National Institutes of Health: Taking care of your voice
- American Academy of Otolaryngology: Keeping Your Voice Healthy
- A Painful Melody: Repetitive Strain Injury Among Musicians
- The National Center for Voice & Speech
- National Association of Teachers of Singing
- The Voice Foundation
Mental Health
- University Health Center: Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
- University Health Center: Managing Stress: A guide for College Students
- Campus Resource List and Links: This list is very broad, providing links for a variety of concerns including: time pressures, anxiety, academic issues, bereavement, loneliness, family problems, housing, sexual difficulties and physical conditions causing stress, physical pain, eating and weight concerns, substance overuse, attention and concentration problems, money management, mental health and identity concerns, and problems with relaxing.
NASM-PAMA
- Complete listing of advisories on neuromusculoskeletal and vocal health:
- https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/publications/brochures-advisories/nasm-pama-nms-vocal-health/
- Complete listing of advisories on hearing health:
- https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/publications/brochures-advisories/nasm-pama-hearing-health/
- National Association of Schools of Music – main website
- http://nasm.arts-accredit.org
- PAMA: Performing Arts Medicine Association – main website
- http://www.artsmed.org
Other Health and Safety Issues and Information
In Case of An Emergency: Call 911
Emergency Preparedness: This link has information in relation to:
- Tornados and Severe Weather
- Medical Emergencies
- Fire and Evacuation
- Active Shooter
- Chemical/Hazardous Spills
Additional information can be found at: http://www.prepare.uga.edu
NOTE: The Fire Evacuation Location for the School of Music is:
- Arts Quad (outside of Music and Performing Arts Center)
- Parking Lots E7 and E11
Hugh Hodgson School of Music Severe Weather Plan : The Severe Weather Shelter Locations for the School of Music are:
- Inner rooms on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th floor.
- If possible, exit all performance areas (Hodgson, Ramsey, Edge, Band Hall, Orchestra Room, and Choral Classroom) and the Music Library for safer inner rooms.
Hugh Hodgson School of Music Building Access
Information on building hours, after hours access, and holiday schedules.
Workers Compensation: Anyone employed by the University (all faculty, staff, and student workers) are covered by state Workers’ Compensation laws, which may provide medical and income benefits if you are injured on the job.
If emergency care is needed, attend to that FIRST
Follow up with Edith Hollander (edith@uga.edu) 706-542-2701 as soon as possible after the injury occurs to start the Worker’s Compensation process.