Q: Hello Dr. M! I'm a psychologist and married to one of your former students. I have used your books to help us open our practice here and love them. Recently I was thinking of calling the local symphony to do some networking/set up a talk and contacted Chiropractic Today Magazine for some research, they said you were the one to talk with! I would love to hear what you are doing and any ideas as to how to approach the symphony. I do the initial marketing for our practice and some of the classes we do together (mind/body connection, stress etc). Anyway would love to talk or e-mail further! Thanks A: Thanks for your e-mail. To attract the attention of an orchestral member .. who is very dependent upon both psyche and body coordination and health .. it is imperative that they see a short and long term benefit. Keywords are wear and tear and postural stress. Highlight postural areas that are aggravated by certain instruments .. leaning over .. flexing necks .. pressing mouthpieces .. psychological overlay with residual health issues and more. My approach would be to create a survey and have a set of no more than 15 questions concerning the above issues and request they ask each member to complete it. This can be part of a research project combining the postural (chiropractic) and emotional (psychological) components of a musicians and its long term affect on the body. Be sure there is a place for e-mail addresses and name/address/phone numbers so you can provide feedback. You may wish to have an introductory letter and possibly a stamped self addressed return envelope if people wish to take it home. It would be cheaper if they handed it in. To avoid the perception that there is a "bait and switch" avoid offering anything .. such as a free exam right away .. but for those that took the time to complete the survey it may be in order. Next you could combine the survey with the research by offering complimentary care for a number of musicians as part of this project. Just be creative. Have a Great Day Dr. M