
Dr. Nadia Azar
Dr. Nadia Azar is an Associate Professor of Biomechanics and Ergonomics at the University of Windsor. As the founder and director of the Drummer Mechanics & Ergonomics Research (DRUMMER) Lab, her overall research goal is to help drummers to achieve their peak performance while reducing their risk of injuries. She has presented at premier conferences (e.g., Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Performing Arts Medicine Association Annual Symposium) and published in top peer-reviewed journals in the field (e.g., Medical Problems of Performing Artists, Frontiers in Psychology – Performance Science); and has successfully translated this work to members of the music community at large (e.g., CBC Radio, Drum Talk TV, the Drumeo Beat, and interviews on multiple podcasts). Dr. Azar has received research funding from the GRAMMY Museum® and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Follow her work on social media @DrNadiaAzar (Instagram, Facebook, and X).
Injury Prevention in Drum Set Education
Session Description:
Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) are very common in drummers. Educators are ideally positioned to influence their students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards preventing and managing PRMDs. However, recent research has identified barriers that may hinder educators’ ability to adequately address these issues with their students. This clinic was designed to begin to address these barriers. Attendees will receive a brief overview of the latest research on PRMDs in drummers, the general risk factors for developing PRMDs and how they apply to playing the drum set, and strategies for identifying and managing these risk factors. Approaches for addressing these topics with drum set students will be introduced, and attendees will engage in discussions on these subjects during the clinic. The goal of the clinic is to inform and empower drum set educators to develop or enhance this area of their curriculum and to continue these discussions within their own peer networks.
Session Category:
- Health & Wellness
Date:
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time:
3:00 PM
Location:
Room 209
Session Type:
Clinic
Session Format:
Live