What is Musical Trauma?
When discussing the intersection of music and trauma, it is commonly understood that music often serves as a tool for healing from traumatic experiences. However, whether you are a professional or non-professional musician, you may sometimes encounter traumatic experiences related to music-related activities. For example, a student who performs unsatisfactorily and receives negative feedback might become disillusioned and may no longer want to take lessons or perform. Does this sound familiar? Another example might be a student who has an unpleasant lesson with a less sensitive instructor and decides to pause their lessons, potentially indefinitely. These experiences can be considered musical trauma, which refers to traumas stemming from music-related experiences that have either temporary or long-lasting impacts on students or musicians throughout their musical journeys.
Episode about the Project
I conducted an online survey consisting of 12 questions, covering definitions of musical trauma, examples, underlying causes, impacts on participants’ music journeys, support resources, and recovery strategies. So far, 32 individuals have participated, yielding 28 valid responses.
Results
Participants’ definitions of a “traumatic experience” varied but included elements such as an irrevocable performance experience leaving a lasting negative impact, toxic relationships with instructors, loss of control, and stage fright, among others. These traumatic experiences were often attributed to discouraging instructors, dissatisfaction with performances, peer or family pressure, toxic learning environments (including safety concerns, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, and so on), and injuries.
The findings revealed varying levels of influence on respondents’ musical paths, including temporary cessation of musical activities. Other consequences included loss of interest, discontinuation of musical pursuits, and a redirection to alternative interests.
Recovery and Support
Concernedly, 53.3% of participants have never received any assistance, while 36.7% sought help from sources such as self-support, family, mentors, and friends. Notably, there were no responses indicating access to professional communities or resources specifically tailored to students’ recovery needs.
I hope this study advocates for the establishment of supportive communities for instructors, musicians, and students, encourages open discussion on the topic, and calls for further research to identify and develop professional resources catering to these needs.
A private Facebook group was created by me to create a safe and comfortable space for people who are willing to open up and share their experiences. More people join, more discussions will be generated, more voices will be heard, and more support can be provided.
Free Resources for Musical Trauma and Recovery or Psychological Struggles
Musician’s Way
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Run by: Gerald Klickstein
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Website: https://www.musiciansway.com/
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Offering tools for healthy practice, performance preparation, injury prevention, and mental wellness for musicians at all levels. It’s widely used by educators and students alike.
Musician’s Health Corner
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Run by: Dr. Sarah Schmalenberger
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Website: https://www.musicianshealthcorner.com/resources.html
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Offering a comprehensive directory of health resources for musicians, covering topics like performance anxiety, physical injury, mental health, and support organizations.
Musicians’ Union (UK)
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Website: https://musiciansunion.org.uk/
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A professional organization offering legal advice, mental health support, contract guidance, and advocacy for musicians working in the UK. It also provides access to well-being services and helplines.
Music Psychology (UK)
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Run by: Dr. Victoria Williamson
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Website: https://musicpsychology.co.uk/
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This blog site shares research and insights on how music affects the brain, behavior, and well-being. It bridges the gap between academic music psychology and practical applications for musicians.
Musical Impact (UK)
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Website: www.musicalimpact.org
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A research initiative focusing on musicians’ health and well-being, including psychological trauma. Not a peer-support group, but a key reference in academic and applied work on musicians’ mental health.
The Green Room (Facebook)
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Run by: Backline
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Zoom link: https://backline.care/green-room-support-group/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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A private Facebook support group for musicians dealing with mental health challenges, including trauma. Musicians share experiences, offer peer support, and discuss recovery strategies. Held every Tuesday.
Music Minds Matter (UK)
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Run by: Help Musicians UK
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Website: www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk
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Offering a 24/7 helpline and access to therapists, with resources addressing trauma from performance anxiety, toxic teaching, and burnout.
Blackline (US)
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Website: www.backline.care
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Focuses on mental health support for music industry professionals. Offering case management, support groups, and mental health education.
The Trauma-Informed Musician (Book & Online Content)
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Run by: Jennifer Johnson (musician and trauma-informed educator)
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Not a formal community, but it provides trauma-informed education tailored to musicians, often cited in academic contexts.
Traumatic Experience for Musicians and Recovery (Facebook)
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Run by: Dr. Yu (Tracy) Qian
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/172m9en55T/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Or search the title “Traumatic Experience for Musicians and Recovery” on Facebook.
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A private Facebook support group for musicians dealing with music-related trauma. Offering musicians a safe space for them to share experiences, offer peer support, and discuss recovery strategies.
Trust The Process (Podcast)
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Run by: Clark Lovell
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A free podcast talking about injured musicians, their experience with injury, giving mindset, and recovery tips.
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In this episode, “The Type of Injury NO ONE Talks Enough About with Dr Tracy Qian,” we talk about the musical trauma, the research, and some potential recovery resources.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBpNeEyCSsA
This project was presented at Ohio University Pedagogy Seminar 2024 and NCKP 2025.
