Mental Health in Music: Breaking the Silence for Mental Health Awareness Month

Music is often described as the universal language—a lifeline, an emotional outlet, and a source of deep personal expression. But behind the curtain of concerts, recitals, and studio classes, there's a quieter, sometimes more painful reality that too many musicians face: the mental health challenges that come with the pursuit of perfection, performance anxiety, burnout, and isolation.

As both musicians and mental health advocates, this topic is close to our hearts. We've faced our own personal battles with mental illness—some visible, others tucked behind practiced smiles and “I’m fine.” That’s why we’re writing this during Mental Health Awareness Month: to raise our voices for those who may not yet feel ready to speak, and to remind students, educators, and professionals in music that they are not alone.

The Hidden Struggles of Musicians and Music Students

Mental health challenges are common in the music community, but they’re often overlooked or minimized. According to data compiled in resources like the James Madison University Department of Music’s Mental Health and Resilience Guide, musicians are at heightened risk for issues such as:

• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression and mood disorders
• Performance anxiety
• Burnout and chronic stress
• Substance misuse

A perfectionist culture, long hours of solitary practice, high expectations, and inconsistent income for professionals can all contribute to declining mental health. For students, these pressures are compounded by academic stress and social isolation.

A recent article from the Mayo Clinic also highlights how early mental health issues can emerge in young people—making early recognition and intervention essential.

Michael playing his French Horn in college

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Whether you're a teacher, peer, or colleague, being able to identify warning signs of mental distress can make a life-changing difference. Look out for:

• Noticeable changes in mood or personality
• Withdrawal from social or musical activities
• Lack of motivation, poor academic or performance engagement
• Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or changes in appetite/sleep
• Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
• Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness

As educators and mentors, our job goes far beyond teaching music. We must also tune in to the human being behind the instrument.

Encouraging Help and Creating Safe Spaces

It's not always easy to talk about mental health—especially in environments where high achievement is expected. But creating space for open dialogue can break stigma and save lives.

Here are a few simple, compassionate ways to support a student or peer:

• Ask open-ended, non-judgmental questions: “Hey, I’ve noticed you seem a bit off lately—want to talk?”
• Reassure them: “You’re not alone in feeling this way. Lots of musicians struggle, and it’s okay to ask for help.”
• Offer resources: Suggest counseling services, crisis lines, or online resources.
• Model openness: Sharing your own experience can help others feel less alone.

Normalizing mental health conversations in music education is just as important as scales and technique. You can’t perform your best if you’re silently hurting.

A Personal Note from Us

We’ve lived through the late-night anxiety spirals before big auditions, the tears after tough rehearsals, and the pressure to be “perfect.” As educators we have seen our students struggle with this and have struggled with it ourselves to be the "perfect" educators.

If you're struggling, please don’t wait for it to get unbearable. Help is out there. Healing is possible. And most importantly, your worth is not defined by your performance.

Helpful Resources

• JMU Resilience and Mental Health Guide
• Mayo Clinic: Mental Illness in Children
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Let’s be brave enough to be honest—and kind enough to listen. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s make music education a more compassionate, mentally healthy space for everyone.

Rachel playing her oboe in college