Musical Impact

A Study of Musicians’ Health and Wellbeing

Musical Impact investigated the demands of making music with the aim of enhancing musicians’ health and wellbeing.

Few pursuits are as dynamic and enjoyable as making music. Physical and mental wellbeing can shape how musicians pursue their art and the pleasure they take from it. The results of recent research, however, suggest that pain and ill health are widespread among musicians and that healthy approaches to training and working in music are far from uniform throughout the profession.

Musical Impact generated new knowledge of the physical and mental demands of making music, contributed insight into chronic and acute health problems, and examined effective strategies for promoting health across educational and professional contexts.

The project was a national initiative of Conservatoires UK, drawing on a network of musicians, scientists, and health professionals, in partnership with the Association of British Orchestras (ABO), the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), Help Musicians UK, the International Health Humanities Network (IHHN), and the Musicians’ Union.

CPS team

Aaron Williamon, RCM (PI)
Liliana Araújo, RCM
Louise Atkins, RCM
Terry Clark, RCM
Rosie Perkins, RCM

For the full project team,
visit the Musical Impact website.

Partners

ABO
BAPAM
Conservatoires UK
Musicians’ Union

Supported by

Arts and Humanities Research Council
(2014-18)

Learn more

Visit the Musical Impact website.

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