CINCINNATI MUSIC & WELLNESS COALITION

CMWC is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit. We work with human service organizations, universities, hospitals, physicians, musicians, and employee groups to bring wellness through music making to older adults, caregivers, developmentally disabled, at-risk youth, veterans, individuals in mental health, individuals with substance abuse disorders, employee wellness groups, People with Parkinson's, cancer survivors, children, immigrants, and refugees. Our two evidence-based recreational music making programs: Clavinova Connection (uses Clavinovas - Yamaha digital pianos) and HealthRHYTHMS (group empowerment drumming) were innovated by Barry Bittman, MD, neurologist, researcher, population health innovator, and pioneer in mind body medicine. Peer reviewed published studies have demonstrated physical, mental, and emotional benefits of both programs i.e. reduction in depression, anger, anxiety, increased self-esteem, and improved communication. Our goal is not about achieving musical outcomes or musicality, rather it is about helping individuals achieve health outcomes. Annually, we present a Music & Medicine Conference to educate healthcare professionals, senior care staff, music educators, and the public about the power of music as a wellness modality. We also work with musicians, dancers, and visual artists from mainstream, immigrants, and refugee communities to present "Wellness through Art Forms" with a goal of helping communities understand and respect cultures, and for improved communication. We believe that art bridges cultures and improves wellbeing.