The Orbicularis Oris and the Enlightened Brass Player: An Autoethnographic Study of Injury and Recovery

Abstract

This paper explores my personal experience with a torn orbicularis oris muscle, a significant injury for brass musicians, through an autoethnographic lens. Combining personal narrative with academic analysis, I recount the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges of injury, surgery and rehabilitation, and hope for change in the future. Recounting my own experience, I hope to continue conversations surrounding musicians’ health, the discussion and stigmatization of injuries within our field, and the lack of preventative education and awareness in music education today. Drawing from key literature and parallels with athletic injuries, I dive deeper into the orbicularis oris, other symptoms and injuries related to that important muscle, and argue for systemic changes in music education, greater access to specialized medical care, and a cultural shift toward prioritizing physical and mental health among musicians.