A new course offered at SFCM teaches students how to avoid and recognize performance-related injuries. “Health and Wellness for Musicians” provides students with critical health information imperative to their performing careers and to their success as healthy, well-rounded human beings, including proper body maintenance, stress management, exercise and nutrition. Developed and taught by Jonathan Kretschmer, a third-year doctoral candidate in the University of California San Francisco and San Francisco State University Graduate Program for Physical Therapy, the course also features guest lectures by UCSF medical experts and by Conservatory faculty member Krzysztof Izdebski, Associate Clinical Professor at the Stanford University Voice and Swallowing Center.

“Students in conservatories are under tremendous pressure to practice long hours and to perform at very high levels,” says Kretschmer. “I’m very excited to work with SFCM faculty and students to ensure they have the knowledge they need to stay healthy and injury free throughout their performing careers.”

Formerly a professional trumpet player, Kretschmer earned degrees from Indiana University and The Juilliard School, played with the Baltimore and Kalamazoo Symphony orchestras and taught trumpet at the college level. He decided to become a physical therapist after receiving therapy to recover from an embouchure injury. “I fell in love with the art and science of healing and decided I wanted to help other musicians in need. Joining the San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a great opportunity to share important preventative strategies with the next generation of musicians.”