Cellist Joshua Roman on Living with Long COVID as a Musician (Healing with Music Series)

Extraordinary cellist and TED Senior Fellow Joshua Roman-the epitome of health prior to the pandemic-has suffered from long-haul COVID-19 syndrome since January 2021. Even amidst debilitating fatigue, he has since dedicated himself to a vigorous touring schedule with a renewed sense of gratitude and urgency. An avid believer in the healing power of music, Roman came to Princeton University Concerts to explore the role that music has played throughout his continued recovery as part of our Healing with Music series.
ABOUT THE HEALING WITH MUSIC SERIES
Humans have been using sounds as a way to exist and endure since the start of time. As we return to the concert hall after the trauma of a pandemic, we are guided by artists whose stories of resilience in facing illness and personal upheaval shed light on music’s profound impact in events combining conversation and live performance. This video profile was streamed as part of the live Healing with Music event.
Learn more at puc.princeton.edu

[@dawnpoint]

I'm also a cellist, and I've met Joshua and taken a master class from him. I also have long COVID. Same thing for me: It absolutely destroyed my brain and body. I had to leave my job because I couldn't drive. The sad thing for me is the psychological damage from long-COVID rewired music from a passion into a traumatic trigger. This absolutely kills me to see that Joshua is battling the same thing because I know firsthand how indescribably horrible long-COVID is.

[@chiplarkby6340]

I am now 2.5+ years with long covid. I am a professional drummer. Went from 300 shows a year to barely half, and have all but officially quit my day job because of it. I have been teaching myself bass since covid. There were more days that I couldn't play a note than not. It's been challenging. I, like you, have learned to ration my energy, and mercifully, was able to find relief from most of the electronics issues with nic patch treatment. It's a 🎢 of suck.

[@huckleberrysfriend]

Wishing you and all with long COVID a full recovery. In the meantime, pace yourself, savor all you can do and can experience in this life.

[@chsfive]

Great piece, and I am happy for Joshua and that he is learning to cope with this condition in his own way. I appreciate his explanation of how post acute covid disorder can affect someone. I have long covid myself and describing the condition to those who are not aware of the condition can at times be difficult. I often explain it like when your cell phone battery is at 5%, you can get a quick recharge and perform most tasks, however it is very easy to overdo it and completely shut down.

[@kaliecouture4288]

Thank you! This is exactly it! It’s so hard.

[@emmanuelvacakis4463]

Your recording of the Popper Etudes are great.

[@donkgated8074]

I lost my relative pitch thanks to Covid.

[@MozartFong]

I never see you actually inhale in this video. It's weird. It seems like youre not breathing. Not sure if that's the editing in the video. I just see you talking and exhaling but never take a breath. or even a sigh...there's something wrong there.

[@TrishBell1]

Often to make timing in an audio piece, Production needs to edit out breaths.