MINDY PETERSON, NCTM

Photo by Simon Leonardo on Pexels

Discover how orchestras are stepping into the health and wellness space in powerful ways, building programs that reduce stress, combat loneliness, and support resilience. A new Catalyst Guide from the League of American Orchestras shines a spotlight on this movement. Explore what it means for you, your community, and the future of music.

Guest

Dr. Karen Yair is Vice President of Research and Resources at the League of American Orchestras, and one of the authors of the League’s new Catalyst Guide. Under her leadership, the League has become the go-to location for orchestra data and insights. She’s driven by the conviction that these insights drive change, and by a belief in the transformative power of creativity and the arts.

Notes

We discuss:

• How orchestras are expanding beyond concerts to support community health and well-being.
• The League of American Orchestras’ new Catalyst Guide and how it provides practical resources for music-based health initiatives.
• Innovative ways orchestras are partnering with healthcare institutions, therapists, and researchers to improve patient outcomes.
• Examples of orchestras reducing stress, combating loneliness, and supporting resilience in diverse communities.
• Best practices for orchestras and communities to collaborate effectively in health and wellness initiatives.
• How these programs benefit not only audiences and patients but also musicians and local communities.
• Insights into emerging trends at the intersection of music, public health, and community engagement.
• Access a free, 24-page guide packed with tools, case studies, and resources for orchestras and health professionals.

Connect/Other Resources

• League of American Orchestras website
• Read the Catalyst Guide (online or download the PDF): Orchestras in Health and Wellness

Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:

• Ep. 84: Music’s redemptive & restorative power in prison environments, with Arts Capacity founder Holly Mulcahy
• Ep. 22: Putting Joy on the Menu for Hospitalized Kids, with Children’s Cancer Association’s MyMusicRx
• Ep. 156: Voices of Hope: The Intersection of music and justice; With Amanda Weber, DMA
• Ep. 12: Coldplay’s Music Therapy for Kids Suffering Illness: with Melodic Caring Project’s Levi & Stephanie Ware
• Ep. 168: Heartbeat Music: Crafting Forever Songs of Connection; with Brian Schreck, MA, MT-BC
• Ep. 179: How We Human – Fostering mental wellbeing specifically for creatives; with Tasha Golden, PhD
• View all episodes related to Science & Health and Education & Community

In-Episode Promo

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Coda

Karen shares two impactful experiences she had while working for the UK’s National Foundation for Youth Music.

Closing Words

Thank you so much to Dr. Yair for this inspiring conversation! Listeners, whether you’re an orchestra member, healthcare practitioner, educator, or community member, be sure to check out the FREE Catalyst Guide for stories of music transforming lives, innovative orchestra programming, the “Health and Wellness Resources” section, and ideas to get involved in this movement in your own community.

All Enhance Life with Music episodes are evergreen; so check out the back catalogue for more ways that music can make your life better.

You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my monthly e-Newsletter.

Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.

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