Harmony & Healing: Strengthening a Partnership with the NBYO

Written by Desiree Spears.

Music has an undeniable impact on our well-being. Whether it’s the familiar comfort of a favorite song or the uplifting energy of a live performance, melodies have a unique ability to reach us in ways that words alone cannot. Notes transcend barriers, evoke emotion, and help us process experiences both joyful and challenging.

Research has shown that music’s benefits go beyond just lifting our spirits. It can reduce stress, support pain management, and promote healing. In healthcare settings, music therapy is becoming an essential part of patient care - helping those recovering from surgery, coping with chronic pain, or managing mental health challenges.

A notable article highlights the work of a University of Ottawa Professor, Gilles Comeau, who has been studying how music can be used to support mental health in conflict-affected areas, demonstrating how music therapy can alleviate trauma and promote emotional healing (Comeau, 2023). His work reminds us that health isn’t just about physical recovery but also about nurturing the mind and spirit.

Music and healthcare might seem like two very different worlds, but they share a common purpose: to support and uplift people through life’s challenges. Both remind us of the importance of holistic care - treating not just the body but the whole person. When melody meets medicine, it creates a space for healing that is both powerful and deeply human.

It’s a connection worth celebrating, and one that resonates strongly in our communities. Music can unite us, give us hope, and remind us of our shared humanity—even in the most difficult times.

Since the fall of 2024, the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation has partnered with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra to feature music in its events. We celebrate this powerful connection and also recognize that a significant number of our scholarship recipients are accomplished musicians in their own right.

You can witness the incredible combination of music and medicine at Champions of Care on April 24th, 2025, featuring Measha Brueggergosman-Lee and the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra. By attending, you can support the future of healthcare in New Brunswick, as proceeds raised will directly support our efforts to increase access to healthcare for all New Brunswickers. Get your tickets today and be part of this inspiring celebration.

Visit https://www.nbmeded.ca/championsofcare to learn more.

Source: Comeau, G. (2023). Harnessing the power of music to Improve Mental Health. Futurum Careers. https://doi.org/10.33424/futurum437