Music has the power to lift spirits, heal emotional wounds, and connect us to ourselves and one another. But there’s a paradox: while music can be healing for listeners and casual players, it can be incredibly harmful for those who pursue it professionally.
In a world filled with music, it’s easy to overlook the struggles of the musicians behind the scenes. Research shows that professional musicians experience depression at nearly twice the rate of the general population. What makes this happen? Why are those who bring so much joy to listeners often dealing with so much pain?
For many musicians, the passion that once fueled them can quickly turn into overwhelming pressure. In a system driven by competition and productivity, their art becomes another job. Success is often measured by how much they produce, not by the joy they feel or share.
But the demands go beyond productivity. In today’s capitalist society, musicians are expected to turn their personal identity into a brand, marketing themselves just to make a living. When a craft is tied so deeply to personal identity, any failure or setback can feel like a personal wound. A bad performance or a missed opportunity isn’t just a professional setback—it’s a injury to who you are.
While music is often praised for its healing qualities—especially for listeners or casual players looking for relaxation or emotional expression—the experience is vastly different for professionals who rely on it to survive. The pressure, competition, and expectation to constantly produce can strip away the joy that drew them to music in the first place.
This issue has deep roots. For over a century, music education has carried the belief that only the most “talented” are deserving of success. The idea of the “tortured artist” has been romanticized, but no one should have to suffer for their art.
It’s time to rethink how musicians are treated. Music should be a source of healing for everyone—including the ones who create it. I will explore solutions to this issue in future posts, but the first step is always acknowledging the problem.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, these resources may provide helpful information:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides mental health support and resources for anyone in need. Visit www.nami.org or call their helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
NAMI Teen and Young Adult Helpline:
Phone: 1-800-950-6264
Text "Friend" to 62640
A helpline dedicated to teens and young adults, offering support and information on mental health issues.
Crisis Text Line: A free, 24/7 confidential crisis counseling service. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a counselor.
Crisis Call Center:
Phone: 1-800-272-8255
A 24/7 helpline offering immediate support for any crisis.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline:
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, this helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information about mental health or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery.
Other resources:
Musgrave, George. 2022. “Music and Wellbeing vs. Musicians’ Wellbeing: Examining the Paradox of Music-Making Positively Impacting Wellbeing, but Musicians Suffering from Poor Mental Health.” Cultural Trends 32 (3): 1–16.
Coursey, Sandra. "Portraits of a Wonderful Musician: Exploring the Intersection of Graduate Music Student Experiences and Mental Health Through Poetic Inquiry." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1719163538865544
תגובות