First Dedicated Music and Health Research Centre in Southeast Asia

The Centre for Music and Health is the first dedicated research centre in Southeast Asia to spearhead cutting-edge, evidence-based practices that leverage the efficacy of music for health and well-being.

At the Intersection of Artistic and Scientific Excellence

Situated within the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YST), the National University of SIngapore (NUS), and the vibrant technological and research culture of Singapore, the Centre for Music and Health is uniquely positioned to catalyse the artistic and scientific excellence of our ecosystem into world-class research in this emerging field.

Father and child walking towards a brightly-decorated community outreach event — Vision

The Centre for Music and Health aims to produce world-class research, music programmes and interventions to support crucial aspects of health and well-being at NUS, in Singapore, and beyond. We aspire to become the leading centre for music and health in Asia, pioneering the development of interdisciplinary, evidence-based methods and music interventions to improve people’s lives.

Cornerstones

Evidence-based practice

We look to research findings and the literature to develop interdisciplinary research methods, music interventions, and community music activities to improve lives on- and off-campus.

Music programmes in community and health and well-being contexts

We develop and deploy high-quality music programmes, often featuring YST students and faculty, in community settings and healthcare contexts.

Musical and scientific excellence

Leveraging the musical excellence of YST and research excellence of NUS, we bring students from different backgrounds together to work towards impactful interventions and community music programmes that improve health and well-being on and off campus.

Three Research Pillars

Mental Health

Music-based interventions show great efficacy in promoting mental health, and are non-invasive, non-pharmacological, and have no stigma attached.

Youth and Student well-being

Music can facilitate empowerment, build confidence and identity, promote attentional focus, and foster social bonding.

Healthy ageing and community wellness

Music activities promote mental, social, and physical well-being, and can help address social isolation, which is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates in the elderly.