{"id":43983,"date":"2025-05-27T21:44:37","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T21:44:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanorchestras.org\/?p=43983"},"modified":"2025-10-10T21:26:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T21:26:35","slug":"catalyst-guide-orchestras-in-health-and-wellness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanorchestras.org\/catalyst-guide-orchestras-in-health-and-wellness\/","title":{"rendered":"Catalyst Guide: Orchestras in Health and Wellness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
by Theodore Wiprud with Dr. Karen Yair<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

As evidence grows of music\u2019s profound impact on health and well-being, orchestras are increasingly recognizing the potential to lead in this space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some orchestras have been involved in health-related partnerships for decades, the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising need for mental health support have accelerated this movement. Expanding programming with a focus on health and well-being is deepening orchestras\u2019 community engagement while also demonstrating their role as vital contributors to public health, social connection, and local resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Momentum continues to build through major conferences and cross-sector partnerships. In 2016, Ren\u00e9e Fleming helped launch the Sound Health Network<\/strong><\/a>, a collaboration between the National Institutes of Health, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Kennedy Center. More recently, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, working with Fleming, the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, and Performance Hypothesis, presented Healing Arts Atlanta<\/strong><\/a> in 2024, an ambitious initiative bringing together diverse partner organizations. This resource is designed to guide orchestras in the early stages of working with health and well-being providers, while drawing on the insights of established programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scroll down or download the PDF<\/a><\/strong> to explore this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emerging Themes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many orchestras are still relatively new to prioritizing health and well-being. As they navigate this space, they are gaining valuable experience in designing and delivering programs that not only make a meaningful impact on local communities but also engage and inspire orchestra staff and musicians. The emerging best practices outlined below reflect these evolving efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respond to local needs and opportunities<\/em><\/strong>
Every community is unique, with its own health and wellness challenges that music may be able to address. Identify potential partners, listen to their needs, and then begin to dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partner with healthcare institutions, healthcare professionals, and therapists<\/em><\/strong>
Those who work with patients and clients every day are the ones qualified to work with musicians to design effective practices. Consistency, commitment, and regular visits build trusting relationships and improve outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare musicians for new settings and listeners<\/em><\/strong>
While some musicians attain certification as therapists, most commit to this rewarding yet demanding work following careful orientation, shadowing, and consultation with healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start small and build incrementally<\/em><\/strong>
A modest initial commitment enables an orchestra to test drive a partnership, and enables a group of musicians to discover their love for working in health care, build their skills, and help lead the effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Align internally on the priority of health and wellness initiatives<\/em><\/strong>
Robust initiatives draw on all of an orchestra\u2019s functions, not just community engagement, and require a clear commitment from board and leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promising Initiatives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the fall of 2024, the League surveyed member orchestras to learn what initiatives were under way in the broad area of health and well-being. The 80 responses revealed that many orchestras are exploring their role in community health\u2014bringing live music into healthcare settings, developing programs to support mental well-being, creating sensory-friendly performances for neurodivergent audiences, hosting events that promote relaxation and general wellness, and even collaborating on medical research. Each section below highlights one orchestra\u2019s initiative in depth, alongside additional case studies drawn from responses to the League survey.<\/p>\n\n\n

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