STUDENT LIFE
Health & Wellness
The physical, mental and emotional health of any music professional is a critical ingredient for a successful and satisfying career. The USC Thornton School of Music is committed to student health and wellness through information and support.
Your Wellness Journey
The USC resources below can help with injury prevention and recovery; ergonomics, exercise and physical therapy; and mental health, including strategies for mindfulness, sleep, nutrition and self-care. The Wellness Wednesdays lecture series in Ramo Hall provides a forum for students and faculty to learn more about these wellness topics.
Primary health care, general wellness resources and referrals to appropriate specialists. Covered by USC student health insurance.
Evaluation and treatment for physical pain and injury. Covered by USC student insurance ( $15 copay) and most private insurance.
Hand therapy and rehabilitation by certified hand therapists; covered by USC student health insurance.
This interdisciplinary team treats issues often experienced by singers, actors, teachers, clergy and others who use their voices professionally.
Confidential emotional health services, covered by USC student health insurance.
Courses in weight training, stress management, yoga and other course options to help develop physical strength, endurance and flexibility.
USC Musician’s Neurology Clinic specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of neurological disorders that affect professional, student and amateur musicians.
University-wide initiative offering classes and research that promote mindfulness in ways that nurture attentiveness, creativity and innovation.
Innovative programs and services to support a wide range of learning styles and differences including learning technologies, free to USC students.
Wellness Tips
Watch mini wellness tips from the Musicians’ Health & Wellness Committee to get a microdose of best practices and habits, from ergonomics to exercise to earbud usage.
Stephen Pierce, Member
Health & Wellness Committee
The Thornton Musicians’ Health and Wellness Committee is comprised of faculty members from varied disciplines including music, medicine and health care.
Current Roster
Bill Kanengiser, Chair
Phillip Placenti, Ex-officio
Richard Smith
David Arnay
An Perry
Steve Trovato
Stephen Pierce
Richard Wolf
Sean Stanton (DMA Vocal Arts)
Dr. Karen Johnson (Audiology)
Aaron Rothbart (Speech & Language Pathology)
Dr. Aimee Diaz (Physical Therapy)
Dr. Pamela Mikkelsen (Physical Therapy)
Robin Mitchell Stroud (Office of Religious & Spiritual Life)
Dr. Xenos Mason (USC Musician’s Movement Disorder Clinic)
Recommended Reads
Musicians’ Health & Wellness Committee Chair William Kanengiser’s reading recommendations offers book titles for further exploration.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a health crisis, USC offers counseling services and crisis intervention. Students are encouraged to walk in for urgent matters at both the Engemann and Eric Cohen Student Health Centers on campus.
To get started with counseling and mental health services, call the 24/7 hotline 213-740-WELL.