3. The physical challenge

Available for 27 days

Violinist Tasmin Little speaks to artists about leaving the world of performance behind. This week's focus is on the taboo of injury and the pressure of expectation for soloists. Cellist Matthew Barley shares his story of a long emotional and physical journey back from a shoulder injury. After visiting 16 doctors in six different countries, he still could not play and was beginning to feel that all hope was lost. Tasmin and Matthew talk about the discipline musicians have developed to achieve their ambitions, and that this mindset can be the enemy when you need to stop and rest. Katherine Butler, a physiotherapist who specialises in Performing Arts Medicine talks through hyper-mobility and musician's dystonia, two conditions that disproportionally affect musicians and can have a devastating impact. Produced by Rebecca Gaskell for BBC Audio North.