Northern State University and the School of Fine Arts are committed to education of the mind, heart, and spirit of each student. We understand that physical health and safety play a large role in that commitment, and as such, below are recommendations specifically for musicians and their well-being.
Avera Student Health
Students in the School of Fine Arts are supported by the excellent staff of Avera Student Health. This on-campus office provides certain services at no charge to students. The office is staffed with a certified medical assistant or a patient services representative and a physician assistant.
Health Services also provides referrals based on the student's needs.
Location: Student Center 240
To schedule an appointment or learn more about services, call 605-626-7694 or stop by Student Center 254.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-noon and 12:45-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Counseling Services
Students and faculty in the School of Fine Arts are also supported by Counseling Services. This office helps students acquire the skills, attitudes, abilities, and knowledge enabling them to resolve personal difficulties and succeed in attaining their educational and personal goals. Professional counselors provide free and confidential individual counseling, as well as crisis counseling.
Location: Student Center 222
To schedule an appointment, call 605-626-3007
Counseling staff also offer opportunities for students in the School of Fine Arts to access information and professional assistance in areas unique to visual/performing arts study. Through Avera Health, students may take advantage of the following services:
- Screening sessions for individuals suspected of having vocal problems
- Treatment for individuals diagnosed with vocal problems
- Screening and diagnosis for individuals with hearing problems
- In-class presentations covering relevant information on proper vocal health and hearing preservation
- Physical stresses and arts study
- Neural impingement
- Workshops specific to individual studios, upon faculty request
Student Accessibility Services
Since its inception, Student Accessibility Services has been committed to providing equal access to all university programs as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Other Resources
NASM and Performing Arts Medicine Association Guidelines on Hearing Health
NASM and Performing Arts Medicine Association Guidelines on Neuromusculoskeletal and Vocal Health
CAAA Overview of Health Issues for Performing and Visual Arts Students
Beulah Williams Library
The staff of the Williams Library is continuously expanding its collection of books and other resources that address all aspects of health and wellness for visual and performing arts students.