Douglas Owens Teaches Future School Music Teachers How to Avoid Hearing Loss
August 14, 2009
University of Southern Maine Associate Professor of Music and trumpet player Douglas Owens taught band in public schools until he noticed he was developing hearing loss and tinnitus. He left the public school band room to pursue a doctorate and now teaches music education classes at the University of Southern Maine.
Owens feels that schools are not taking the risk of hearing loss in music teachers seriously when providing rehearsal and classroom space for school bands. He conducted a study that found that 68 percent of the participating band teachers showed signs of noise-induced hearing loss. He stresses the importance of hearing protection to students planning to become band teachers.
He also participated in the development of a new USM course, “Musician’s Health: A Path for Peak Performance.” The course will be taught by Owens; Associate Professor of Music Thomas Parchman, who plays clarinet for the Portland Symphony Orchestra; and Associate Professor of Exercise, Health and Sport Science Brian Toy. Students will not only learn about the risks of hearing loss, but other physical and psychological health problems musicians face, including repetitive motion injury and performance anxiety.
For assistance arranging interviews with Owens, please contact USM’s Office of Public Affairs at 780-4200.
The University of Southern Maine (USM) offers its 10,000 plus students more than 115 areas of undergraduate and graduate study. USM’s location in southern Maine, a region cited as one of the most liveable in the country, offers a range of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.
