Dave Hagger BSc is a qualified Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist, Personal Trainer, Massage Therapist and fitness author with a background in music and sports science. 

He graduated with a Higher Diploma in Popular Music Performance from The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, in London, and a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Sports Movement Science from Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, where he later taught anatomy and physiology for over ten years as an educator. Dave is all is also a member of Exercise & Sports Science Australia.  He has bee playing bass guitar in bands since he was 14 years old and is a regular on the Brisbane music scene.

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Dave's interest in the well-being of musicians was ignited by a personal tragedy. His first guitar teacher and friend passed away suddenly from a heart attack soon after a performance. Dave's investigations into the incident led him to hypothesize that musicians are more vulnerable to health complications than the general population.

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This motivated Dave to conduct further research into the topic, leading him to discover the research study "Can music make you sick?" by Sally-Anne Gross and George Musgrave. This study is a widely cited study that explores the mental health challenges faced by musicians, which has sparked discussions and efforts to improve the well-being of musicians in the industry. 

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The study revealed the high rates of mental health challenges faced by musicians, with over 70% of respondents reporting experiencing anxiety and/or depression. This is extremely significant considering many more studies have shown that individuals with poor mental health are at increased risk for a wide range of physical health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders.

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This is summed up in the saying ‘Where the mind goes, the body follows’ .The reverse of this mechanism is also true.

This revelation spurred Dave on to take action and make a difference.

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In response, he founded Musohealth, an organisation dedicated to providing support for musicians with all aspects of their wellness. Musohealth aims to address physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social health challenges faced by musicians.

 

Through Musohealth, Dave has been able to provide a platform for musicians to find videos, ebooks and courses that address topics such as heart health, time management, vocal health, performance anxiety, injury prevention and much more. He continues to advocate for better mental health support in the music industry and has made his ebooks The Heart Health Checklist For Musicians,  Musician's Posture Rescue and Self-Care Toolkit available free of charge to help raise awareness about potential health risks faced by musicians.

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As an online SoundFit Coach, Dave is offering a free 10-minute Discovery Call for potential clients to determine if he can help them improve their physical health and wellbeing as a musician.