Sweet Music

Expert Advice from Adam Sweet, Professional Music Teacher If you’re struggling with allergies to traditional pine-based rosin, you’re not alone. As a professional music teacher with decades of experience, I’ve helped countless students overcome rosin allergies and get back to playing comfortably. Rosin is essential for creating the friction needed to produce sound on string instruments, but for some, it can cause severe skin and respiratory reactions. The good news? There are solutions, and I can guide you to the right one. Why Do Some Musicians Have Rosin Allergies? The main issue lies in colophony, a compound derived from pine resin. It contains abietic acid, which can cause itchy skin, coughing, and even asthma-like symptoms. Many musicians don’t even realize that their persistent sneezing or skin irritation is caused by their rosin. As an experienced teacher, I’ve seen this problem countless times and know exactly how to address it. How I Help My Students Overcome Rosin Allergies R...