Musical Mindfulness: How David Vining Conquered Focal Dystonia and is Living His Best Life

Brass Mastery

Today's episode features an interview with trombonist/publisher David Vining, recorded at the 2024 ITG Conference in Anaheim, California.

David was diagnosed with focal dystonia in 2003. In our interview, he discusses his struggles, eventual recovery through holistic movement therapies such as Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, and body mapping and exposing the vastly understudied diagnoses and treatment of focal dystonia.

Perhaps the biggest misconception about focal dystonia is that it is a physical problem. While the symptoms manifest in the physical realm, it is a distinctly neurological issue which disrupts musicians' fine motor skills.

David's diagnosis and eventual recovery inspired him to establish Mountain Peak Music, which offers resources and materials aimed at promoting healthy playing and living habits, as well as taking a preventative approach to issues like dystonia.

Episode Highlights:

01:25 David Vining's Musical Journey

04:37 The Onset of Focal Dystonia

05:43 Diagnosis and Initial Struggles

09:24 Exploring Treatment Options

18:34 Movement Therapies and Recovery

25:29 Redefining Embouchure and Global Awareness

26:46 Rafael Mendez a Model of Overcoming Adversity

27:54 Recovering from Focal Dystonia

29:33 Founding Mountain Peak Music

30:19 The Breathing Book and Body Mapping

32:32 Innovative Learning Materials

36:49 Success Stories and Cross Training

45:02 Challenges with High Brass Players

46:42 Final Thoughts and Advice

Resources mentioned:

Mountain Peak Music

About the Guest:

Trombonist David Vining is the founder of Mountain Peak Music, a publishing company devoted to offering innovative, healthy teaching methods for all musicians. Mountain Peak Music represents Mr. Vining’s personal mission, combining his extensive performing and teaching background with insights learned through his remarkable recovery from embouchure dystonia. His Mountain Peak Music publications include the Breathing Book series, Flow Studies, Daily Routines, Long Tone Duets, Trombone Intonation Mastery, Dueling Fundamentals for Trombones, Cross Training for Musicians, The Big Book of Sight Reading Duets, Teaching Brass, and Rangesongs.

Currently Professor of Trombone at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, Mr. Vining has also served on the faculties of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and the University of Kansas. Professor Vining’s teaching transcends his trombone specialty, covering a wide range of topics appealing to musicians of every discipline. He is equally at home teaching trombone technique, helping instrumentalists and vocalists become more efficient, and helping musicians cope with injuries, among other topics.

Mr. Vining is a dynamic performer who has delivered hundreds of recitals nationwide. As trombonist with the Chestnut Brass Company, he recorded several CD’s and toured the United States and Europe performing recitals, masterclasses, and concerts with orchestras. Currently a member of the Flagstaff Symphony, he has performed with the Cincinnati Symphony, Kansas City Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mr. Vining has appeared on college campuses coast-to-coast in recital and as a guest soloist with ensembles, and recorded a solo CD, Arrows of Time.

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Mentioned in this episode:

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