The patient musician: a qualitative investigation of professional classical musicians who previously suffered from depression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Music students are more vulnerable to depression than their peers in many other academic fields. Contributing factors include early specialization and social isolation resulting from long hours of practice, the prevalence of chronic pain and the challenges associated with developing a coherent identity within the context of an inherently competitive field. Moreover, the culture around music seems to reward suffering at times, which may impede seeking professional medical assistance.

Method

Seven professional classical musicians participated in a written semi-structured interview. This study aimed to gain insight into the experiences of classical musicians who have been medically diagnosed with depression at some point during their studies and in their subsequent c

SUBMITTER: Korte M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12044710 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature