In an industry known for its need for creative resourcefulness and intense demands, music professionals face a unique array of challenges. The Wellness in Music Survey, first launched by MusiCares in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, serves as a key tool to gauge the well-being of those who make music possible.
This year's survey gathered nearly 2,800 responses, highlighting crucial insights into mental health, financial wellness, healthcare access, and substance use trends in the music community. Below, see the data on all four of those aspects, and learn how that information will inform MusiCares' future programming.
Financial Insecurity Remains A Major Hurdle
Financial challenges continue to weigh heavily on the music community. Wellness in Music survey respondents consistently reported lower annual earnings than general U.S. households, with more than three quarters (78 percent) reporting an annual income of $100,000 or less in the last year.
Income instability remains a reality for many, with 53 percent noting that their earnings have not stabilized post-pandemic. Additionally, 69 percent of respondents said they are unable to comfortably cover expenses through their work in music alone. This financial strain has a direct impact on mental health, as 47 percent and 44 percent of respondents attributed stress and anxiety to financial concerns respectively.
The inconsistent nature of these income streams also raises concerns about career sustainability, with 65 percent of respondents expressing doubts about their future in the industry. MusiCares is keenly aware of these pressures and aims to address financial instability through targeted support and resources, such as financial coaching programs.
Read More: How MusiCares Supports The Music Community's Financial Wellness Year-Round
Limited Access To Preventive Healthcare Services
While 87 percent of survey respondents reported having health insurance, a figure close to the 93 percent national coverage rate, only about 54 percent have dental insurance, which many cited as unaffordable. In a field where freelancing can make healthcare difficult to access, MusiCares' preventive care clinics play a crucial role in helping close this gap.
Preventive screenings are especially sparse among respondents. For instance, 78 percent did not receive a hearing screening in the past year — an alarming figure given their work requires regular exposure to high decibels. Additionally, for those aged 45 and older, 70 percent missed recommended colonoscopy screenings, and 62 percent of female respondents aged 24 and older went without cervical cancer screenings. Eye health is also underserved, with 60 percent of those under 45 skipping vision screenings last year.
These gaps underscore the importance of MusiCares' efforts to increase access to preventive services and lower health risks for music professionals.
Suicide Prevention Awareness
MusiCares aims to bridge the gap in mental health care, ensuring that music professionals have access to necessary support. The survey revealed that 8.3 percent of respondents had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, a figure notably higher than the 5 percent rate among the general population. Among the 8.3 percent of individuals experiencing serious thoughts of suicide, 15.1 percent made plans, and 3.5 percent of those experiencing serious thoughts actually attempted suicide — a stark comparison to 1.4 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively, in the general population.
Though incredibly alarming, the sample sizes for these findings are extremely small, making it unclear whether they fully represent industry sentiments. Although MusiCares is not a crisis-response organization, it is committed to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention through education, support and collaboration with crisis intervention services.
If you, or someone you care about, are struggling or in crisis, MusiCares encourages you to reach out for help. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available via text or phone call 24/7, offering free and confidential support; you can also call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Read More: How MusiCares Supports Holistic Health & Wellness In The Music Community Year-Round
Rising Marijuana Usage & A Need For Increased Awareness
Marijuana usage continues to rise among music professionals, with 36 percent of respondents reporting marijuana or marijuana-derived product use in the last month — higher than the national rate of 21.8 percent. Of those using marijuana, 36 percent reported daily use. Although daily usage among industry professionals is slightly lower than the 40 percent seen in the general population, the overall proportion of users is higher within the industry.
Extensive evidence suggests that marijuana users often do not recognize addictive patterns the same way as with other substances. While alcohol use remains more prevalent than marijuana, studies indicate marijuana usage patterns have shifted to resemble cigarette use rather than occasional consumption patterns seen with alcohol. Recognizing this, MusiCares is committed to enhancing education and developing initiatives focused on marijuana use awareness, promoting informed choices for music professionals.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Wellness in Music survey sheds light on the myriad of challenges faced by those in the music industry, from income insecurity and limited healthcare access to mental health concerns and substance use trends. For MusiCares, these insights inform ongoing efforts to provide targeted programs that support the well-being of music professionals. By addressing these challenges, MusiCares aims to foster a healthier, more sustainable music community.