Interviewing musicians provides a deep understanding of how music influences mental health. Through their unique and authentic stories their work can inspire others to get involved. By sharing their stories, we can appreciate the artistry and effort behind all musicians.
The Importance of Music
Music is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and connects individuals on an emotional level. It has been shown to improve cognitive function, relieve stress, and enhance emotional well-being.
their stories
For some people music is more than just sound—it’s a force that has guided their lives, shaped their emotions, and helped them find meaning in the chaos of life. I interviewed some amazing people. Each of them has a unique relationship with music, but they all share one belief: music is therapy.
One musician first fell in love with music in sixth grade, fascinated by the idea of playing the saxophone and ended up with the tuba in his hands. Growing up in a house where his sister played guitar, he quickly learned that music was universal—it connected him to his best friends and provided an emotional escape. He grew to respect musicians deeply, understanding how the ability to convey emotion through sound was more powerful than words. Later in life, he used this understanding as a recreational therapist, helping children with disabilities build relationships and express themselves through music.
Another interviewee started out with drums in high school. The instrument became his voice, allowing him to express his emotions when words failed. Music from the past fascinated him, giving him a way to connect with history while also helping him navigate his own struggles with addiction and recovery. To him, playing an instrument was not just about producing sound—it was about training his mind to think in patterns, to break down big challenges into small, manageable steps. He believed that music could change personalities, sharpen minds, and ultimately, heal wounds.
For another musician, music took him on a global journey. He started playing at age 12 and found himself touring internationally by 2018. His work in psychology and therapy, particularly with disabled adults, solidified his belief that music was not just an art form but a lifeline. Writing music became his therapy, a way to process emotions and connect with people in ways words could not. Performing at places like the House of Blues, he saw firsthand how deeply people relied on music as an outlet, a release from the struggles of everyday life.
The last interviewee’s journey with music began even earlier. By age seven, he was already at the piano; by age eight, he was singing. His parents, both choir singers, nurtured his love for music, leading him to become a music director and piano teacher. He believed in music’s ability to shape the mind, seeing it as a mental exercise that kept him sharp. While he didn’t personally listen to classical music, he recognized how different genres could help people focus, relax, or even heal.
Though each of these musicians had different paths, their stories intersected on one key truth: music is an essential part of mental well-being. It provides structure for the mind, healing for the soul, and connection for the heart. Whether through teaching, therapy, performance, or personal practice, they all found solace in sound.
In a world full of noise, music remains the one constant melody that helps us all find harmony.
