Music Made Well was established by Nathan Langfitt in 2017 to address the unique mental health needs of musicians, especially around how music is taught in schools. Through educational opportunities, experiential workshops, assessment, and individual consultation, Music Made Well strives to make the experience of becoming a professional musician or music educator one that is less prone to mental health distress, burnout, and suffering. The following are accepted as our core tenets:
- Musicians have unique mental health needs, stemming from the age that they start instruction, the intensity and commitment necessary to be successful, and the uncertainty pertaining to employment and professional outcomes.
- Suffering and distress are not necessary elements to learn to make music at a high level. The notion of "no pain, no gain" is an antiquated construct that can be alleviated through a culture shift in how we teach music.
- The goal is not to improve people's mental health to make them more effective musicians. The goal is to improve people's mental health so that they are able to live more authentic and mindful lives.
- Improving the mental health of musicians is about the future as much as it is about the present. The research shows that depression, burnout, and performance anxiety are some of the most significant barriers to a sustainable, long-term career in music.
- Music school faculty, staff, and administrators can play an extraordinary role in reducing the stigma around seeking help and mental health care. By creating a more open dialogue, the next generations of musicians will begin their careers making music in healthier and more liberating ways.