Who We Are

Occupational Health in Music is an emerging initiative that extends the Health Promotion in Schools of Music recommendations (2006), is rooted in the work shaping the Oxford Handbook on Musicians’ Health Advocacy, and propelled by the outcomes of the First Global Summit on Occupational Health in Music. With foundational support from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Distinguished Professorship (BDP) program, two Discovery Research Awards, and a Nexus Award, this initiative is advancing through rapidly growing partnerships across multiple divisions within Johns Hopkins and beyond. OHM is an evolving community of scholars, clinicians, educators, artists, and policymakers working to embed occupational health into the music discipline itself; building the frameworks, evidence, and infrastructures needed to cultivate healthy, inclusive, sustainable, and evidence-based environments wherever music is created, taught, studied, shared, or experienced.

What We Do

Occupational Health in Music develops the evidence base for responding to music-specific occupational health concerns by addressing the unique physical, psychological, and social challenges musicians and others engaged with music encounter. Through interdisciplinary gatherings, research, policy advocacy, and practical initiatives, OHM connects musicians, educators, clinicians, and scientists to develop solutions that address music-specific occupational health concerns.

Our goal is to foster a culture of health within music education and performance—shifting the field away from fragmented, reactive interventions toward the systematic integration of occupational health literacy, injury prevention, and well-being across every stage of musicians’ training and careers.

Our approach is collaborative and evidence-based. We develop international networks across disciplines and institutions; promote innovation in curriculum, research, and policy; empower musicians and educators to advocate for safe, inclusive, and sustainable environments; and provide leadership and resources to drive global change. By recognizing occupational health as essential to everyone engaged in music, we inspire the next generation of musicians, educators, and leaders to strive for artistic excellence while enhancing the powerful health benefits associated with music.