Arts for Health
The Research Institute for Music Medicine with a focus on Arts for Health at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University is made possible through the support of the Austrian Society of the Golden Cross and the Carl Bechstein Foundation.
Its unique characteristics lie in its strong focus on Arts for Health as well as the practical aspects of clinical and non-clinical music production and performance.
At the core of the institute’s work is not primarily the question of how music affects people. Instead, the research investigates how music can be optimized for clinical and non-clinical application based on scientific — particularly neuroscientific — findings on the effects of music. This places musical scores, their creative development, and their performance under close examination, extending to music production, multimedia applications, immersive audio, and AI-generated music.
Key research areas include music & prevention and salutogenesis, dementia and delirium (particularly in intensive care settings), as well as “music and intensive care”.
Arts for Health is not understood as therapy. In contrast to music therapy, which has been legally regulated in Austria since 2009, and music medicine — both represented by medical or therapeutic professionals — Arts for Health brings artists directly together with affected individuals through artistic encounters and shared artistic practice. This enables participants in Arts for Health interventions to experience themselves as artists and fosters an especially intensive level of collaborative artistic engagement.
The medical director of the research institute is intensive care specialist Klaus-Felix Laczika. The artistic director is composer Oliver Peter Graber, who also serves as Professor of Artistic Research at JAM MUSIC LAB Private University.
Arts for Health X earware
Together with JAM MUSIC LAB Private University, earware invites on May 27th students and lecturers to the information event “Arts for Health X earware: Hearing Health in Focus.” The event explores topics such as hearing protection, in-ear monitoring, hearing health in everyday musical life, and new technologies for conscious listening. Participants can gain practical insights from experts, exchange experiences, and learn how to protect their hearing sustainably — an essential topic for every musician. The event also features the presentation of a current hearing health survey, as well as goodies and a giveaway hosted by earware.
More information here: https://www.jammusiclab.com/events/arts-health-x-earware-horgesundheit-im-fokus-ein-informationsevent-fur-musikerinnen
Piano for Brain Health – Play for Cognitive Fitness!
Discover the joy of playing piano while supporting cognitive fitness and overall wellbeing. Piano for Brain Health combines scientific insights from the field of Arts for Health with hands-on musical participation in an inspiring and accessible environment.
The program is open to adults aged 18 and above, with no upper age limit. It welcomes complete beginners as well as experienced musicians and music professionals. No previous experience in piano or music is required.
The focus lies on cognitive stimulation, creativity, active participation, and the positive effects of music-making on concentration, mental fitness, and quality of life.
Dance for Health – Dance for Fitness!
Movement, music, and wellbeing come together in Dance for Health — a program designed to promote physical and mental fitness through creative movement and active participation.
The course is open to adults aged 18 and above, with no upper age limit, and welcomes both beginners and experienced dancers alike. Previous experience in dance or ballet is not required.
The program focuses on joy of movement, coordination, creativity, community, and the positive impact of dance on overall health and wellbeing. Through an inclusive and supportive atmosphere, participants are encouraged to explore movement as a powerful tool for active and healthy living.
Participation at NÖ Demenztag
JAM MUSIC LAB and our arts for health institurte was represented with its own stand at Dementia Day in Lower Austria on October 3rd and to contribute to raising awareness of dementia. More information
The Institute for Music Medicine appreciates your support in making research and education possible in this important field for our society.
For donations and sponsorship opportunities, please contact: artsforhealth@jammusiclab.com