Brock’s Therapeutic Massage

ABOUT BROCK

Musician First

I began playing the double bass back in 5th grade when pressured out of the violin section by my best friend. He would constantly remind me that he was better than me, and so I decided to play the bass… on the opposite side of the conductor. I continued studying double bass as a Music Performance Major at the University of Colorado at Boulder. By my sophomore year, I realized that landing a job in a major orchestra would not only involve a lot more practice than I was capable of, the number of job openings were fewer than the graduates from any one music program in the country. I then decided to study Music Management at the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated in 1995.

After an internship at Yamaha, and then one of my favorite jobs as Orchestra Manager for the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, I found myself needing to earn money and ended up in the corporate world. But eventually I found myself in pain and not enjoying going to work. I discovered massage through the suggestion of a chiropractor and the light bulb went on! I decided to study massage and and make a change of career. In 2004 I went back to school at the Center for Advanced Therapeutics and earned my certification in October of 2005.

Massage Next

While in school for massage and playing with the Boulder Philharmonic, I noticed massage’s effects on my music. I was stating to play better than I ever had in my life. And the hurdles that haunted me during college were disappearing. Looking back, I realized that chronically tight muscles played a role in my ability to learn music. In school, the more I practiced, the worse I played. This made no sense to me at the time, but many years later as I was getting my body thoroughly massaged and the muscles loosened, it was obvious that massage was now a part of the musical journey.

But I knew I wasn’t alone. I’ve talked to other bass players, and other musicians, and it is quite common that musicians run into pain or problems at some point in their studies and careers. Since I began practicing massage, I’ve worked with many different instrumentalists, including violinists, cellists, double bassists, trombonists, drummers, percussionists, pianists, and guitarists. Each instrument has its own unique challenges. But they also have similarities from years of over using the muscles that power their passions. And, if that isn’t enough, they often have to relearn how to practice their chosen instrument as part of the healing process.

Moving Forward

I now play with the Jefferson Symphony and the Lakewood Symphony. And my musicianship is better than it has ever been in my life. Realizing that a combination of tight muscles and bad practice techniques conspired to take away the enjoyment I found in music, I now help others to overcome the same issues.

It’s Not All About the Music

I’m also an avid skier, passionate chef, and adventurous traveler. The bottom line is that whatever you enjoy doing, you should find the tools to help you to enjoy it more. Massage therapy is a tool that has helped many to enjoy their lives more fully. Whether you climb mountains, ride a bicycle, work at a computer, mow the lawn, crochet, garden, travel, or anything else, massage can improve your enjoyment of everything you love to do.

MASSAGE EDUCATION