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Evidence-Based Recreational Music Making

Since 2009, Cincinnati Music & Wellness Coalition (CMWC) has offered two evidence-based recreational music making wellness programs to diverse populations. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the term recreational is derived from the Latin root, “recreatio,” which means “restoration to health.”

Recreational Music Making (RMM) has its roots from the early work of Karl T. Bruhn, the father of the Music-Making and Wellness movement, and scientific research from Barry Bittman, MD, neurologist, population health innovator, and pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, whose studies were the first to demonstrate a link between playing music and the positive effects on one’s overall health—lowering stress, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Through his research, Dr Bittman determined that playing music within the context of a group in a pressure-free environment could reduce stress at the DNA level. His philosophy was that music making was for all people, According to Dr Bittman, “it’s about inspiring extraordinary living.” The unique format of RMM is its emphasis on group-based activities.

An extensive series of eight peer-reviewed scientific publications on the Clavinova Connection and HealthRHYTHMS have documented statistically significant improvements in quality of life, including physical, emotional, and social benefits. The link between playing a musical instrument and stress impact is supported by eight published experimental investigations by Dr. Barry Bittman that utilized specific RMM protocols as effective bio-behavioral modulators.

Employee Stress

At-risk youth

First-Year Nursing Students

Corporate Employees

Older Adults

Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

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Group Drumming and the Human Genome

Program Benefits

Populations Served