The Impact of Repertoire Choices on Mental Health (2023)

It is difficult to underestimate the impact of repertoire on apprentice musicians. The music we study and hear walking through the halls from the Crane practice rooms is the vehicle musicians use to learn and apply their musicianship skills. Musicians are also known to be susceptible to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. If our repertoire is the way we express ourselves creatively, is there a way to do so with less risk to our mental health? Depending on the repertoire choices and collaboration between teacher and student, research suggests that it is possible to select repertoire that can enhance students’ mental health and overall well-being. Doing so will help tomorrow’s music educators and professional musicians to be better listeners, collaborators, teachers, and humans.