Researchers from the Mount Sinai Health System published a peer-reviewed paper in March proposing “social music” as an evidence-based approach to improve health and well-being.
The study, co-authored by Joanne Loewy, Director of The Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and musician Jon Batiste, appeared in Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy. It introduces a framework using shared musical experiences as a form of “social prescription,” which is described as a non-medical intervention aimed at improving health outcomes, especially for people experiencing or at risk for depression.
The research builds on findings from the Assessment of Music Experiences in Navigating Depression (AMEND), an initiative supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. This project examines how individual, group, and blended music experiences can affect well-being among those with depression or those considered at elevated risk.
“While technological advances have transformed how we connect, many people are increasingly isolated, with limited opportunities for meaningful social engagement—conditions that can negatively affect health,” said Dr. Loewy. She added that parts of Europe already use music as a social prescription and stated that their work defines a model demonstrating how intentional shared musical experiences can influence health outcomes.
Jon Batiste described “social music” as participatory and culturally rooted musical experiences that encourage connection and collective release through elements like call-and-response and interactive performance. “This is a meaningful step forward in recognizing the longstanding connection between music and healing,” said Batiste. He added that bringing this wisdom into modern medicine reflects the dedication of leaders such as Dr. Loewy.
Dr. Loewy said her team will continue expanding research through AMEND to explore wider integration of music-based interventions into clinical and community settings. “Our goal is to help medical, educational, and community organizations better understand and adopt the potential of music as a tool for health,” she said.
