2 of 8 Theme 2: Studio Faculty - Elaine Whitmire
Elaine Whitmire’s presentation underscores the pivotal role that studio faculty play in shaping the health, habits, and well-being of the next generation of musicians. Because of the one-to-one mentorship model, studio teachers are often the first to notice physical or mental strain in students, making them the linchpin for both prevention and early intervention. Whitmire emphasizes that excellence in performance does not automatically equal excellence in teaching and calls for integrated occupational health training for faculty. To minimize harm and sustain artistry, she advocates for mandatory health education, cross-disciplinary collaboration with medical professionals, and continuous professional development that prioritizes faculty wellness alongside student success. This framing reinforces faculty as transformational advocates for prevention, equipping teachers to cultivate both artistic excellence and long-term well-being in their students.