As a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization, YMWI serves as an organization of excellence dedicated to interdisciplinary development, scientific investigation, professional training and clinical amalgamation of active music participation strategies with integrative evidence-based medical insights for the purpose of enhancing quality of life for individuals of all ages regardless of race, ethnicity or disability.
Overview
YMWI’s primary purpose is to advance our understanding of Recreational Music Making and creative musical expression as effective lifestyle enhancement strategies. The Institute’s mission is carried out through exemplary scientific research as well as dissemination of insights and findings through multiple educational venues.The Institute’s collaborators range from a world-renowned genomic research institution, to award-winning hospitals and extraordinary community centers dedicated to improving quality of life.The purpose of this website is to provide an overview of the Institute’s activities, as well as current projects and peer-reviewed published research.
A Focus on Recreational Music Making
The term, “recreational,” is based upon the Latin word, “recreatio,” signifying “restoration to health.”
According to Karl T. Bruhn, world-renowned Father of the Music-making and Wellness movement, “Recreational music making (RMM) encompasses enjoyable, accessible and fulfilling group music-based activities that unite people of all ages regardless of their challenges, backgrounds, ethnicity, ability or prior experience. From exercise, nurturing, social support, bonding and spirituality, to intellectual stimulation, heightened understanding and enhanced capacity to cope with life’s challenges, the benefits of RMM extend far beyond music. RMM ultimately affords unparalleled creative expression that unites our bodies, minds and spirits.”
Foundational Insights
YMWI supports the notion that the optimization of wellness can best be achieved by inspiring and motivating individuals to take an active and meaningful role in their health and well-being. YMWI programs are therefore intended to ultimately serve as integral healthy lifestyle strategies.
YMWI programs improve quality of life through enjoyable music making activities that integrate creative musical expression with proven bio-psycho-social strategies. Furthermore YMWI is committed to sharing its peer-reviewed published findings with healthcare and music communities throughout the world.
With the goal of offering music making opportunities to individuals including those who do not consider themselves musical, YMWI extends its focus to healthcare and wellness arenas worldwide.
