Health and Wellness

As awareness grows around the positive effects of music on health and well-being, orchestras of all sizes are showing renewed interest in developing programs that support this work. These efforts offer meaningful ways for orchestras to deepen their connections with local communities and highlight their broader social impact.

This page features a range of insights from the League. For practical information on getting started or furthering your orchestra’s health and wellness work, please see the resources section of our 2025 Catalyst Guide: Orchestras in Health and Wellness.

League Guides

On-Demand Videos

Featured in Symphony

• Forward Thinking: A Voice for Wellness
• Music as Medicine
• U.K. Report Finds Multiple Benefits from Orchestras’ Work in Healthcare
• The Power of Music to Promote Healing and Wellness
• Jonathan Biss on Music and Mental Health
• Three New Books Explore Music as Medicine
• Music Therapy Helps Children Experiencing Homelessness
• Healing Chords

Free Hotlines

• The Samaritans Hotline
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Free and Affordable Counseling and Support Groups

• How to Find the Right Therapist for You – Lauren Aycock Anderson
• Affordable Counseling
• Pro Bono Counseling Project (Maryland)
• NAMI Support Groups
• Better Help
• Mental Health America: Finding Therapy

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Banner: A sensory bag initiative at the Evansville Philharmonic in Indiana. Photo courtesy of the Evansville Philharmonic.