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Music and Health Research Institute

An innovative and impactful research institute at the intersection of music, health sciences, social sciences, engineering and medicine.

About the Institute

Music is the foundation of the Music and Health Research Institute– it is the raison d’être. Music –be it learning, performing, creating, or listening– is universal across societies, generating profound and meaningful experiences throughout the lives of many.

Learn more about the Institute
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News from the Institute

Professor Gilles Comeau
AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

Professor Gilles Comeau wins learned society award

His research at the crossroads of the humanities, health sciences, biomechanics and engineering has transformed his field.

More news

See all news
Wellness

Music to improve the well-being of hearing-impaired children

Research

New research institute to explore the impact of music on health and well-being

News

New Music and Health Research Institute to be launched at uOttawa

News

A new refuge for Ottawa musicians

Events at the Institute

Fall 2023
Speaker in front of a crowd
Fall 2023

Speaker Series

This series of seminars is hosted by professionals with expertise relevant to our work at the Institute.
Fall 2023
Instructor presenting in a classroom
Fall 2023

Student Events

Student events give students a chance to present their research to fellow institute members, as well as learn from workshops and webinars.
Spring 2024
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Spring 2024

MHRI Conference

May 21 to 24, 2024
Music, health, and the community: Catalyzing research on community-based music programs for health and well-being.
Winter 2023
Group percussion session
Winter 2023

Partnership Spotlight Series

Highlights some of the MRHI collaborations with our partners.
Gilles Comeau giving a lecture at the MHRI conference

Summary of the Inaugural Conference of the MHRI

This comprehensive report summarizes the the MHRI inaugural conference held in May, 2023. It contains presentation abstracts as well as an overview of other conference activities including concerts, somatic workshops, partner fair and poster presentations.
Click here to read the report

Research

The Institute supports fundamental, applied and clinical research to explore how music can improve health and well-being for individuals and communities.

Research framework

Research axis

Specific research areas

Research initiatives

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Donate

Your generous contribution directly supports our innovative and collaborative research at the intersection of music and health. Click the button below to make a donation.
Donate now to the MHRI

Training and mentoring

The Institute plays a key role in training the next generation of professionals and leaders. The education students receive at the institute provides them with the skills needed to solve a variety of challenges at the intersection of music, health and well-being.

Learn more about the opportunities
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Members and partners

Our Institute stimulates engagement with researchers, musicians, health professionals and community members to support research, education and outreach activities.
View our members and partners
Fill out our member application form
Fill out our student / postdoc member application form

Founding partners

Logo of Bruyère Research Institute
Logo of Carleton University
Logo of Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Logo of Lotus Centre for Special Music Education
Logo of The Royal Mental Health care and research
Sylvain Charbonneau
Quote

“The multidisciplinary research carried out at the MHRI embodies innovation in action and will make a unique contribution to improving the health and well-being of Canadians.”

Sylvain Charbonneau

— Vice-President, Research and Innovation

Quick links

musician with a practitioner

Musicians' Wellness Centre

We see musicians’ wellness as a multifaceted whole, encompassing a musicians' physical wellness, mental wellness, and auditory and visual wellness. We hope to increase awareness and provide support for musicians of all ages and levels.
Hands on a piano

Piano Pedagogy Research Laboratory

The Piano Pedagogy Research Laboratory carries out multidisciplinary research in the field of music pedagogy in order to establish a better understanding of learning, performing and teaching music. The MHRI originated from the many years of health-related interdisciplinary collaborations at the Piano Lab, which now continues operation under the umbrella of the Institute.

Contact us

Music and Health Research Institute

University of Ottawa
50 University Private
Perez Hall, Room 204
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K1N 6N5

Tel: 613-562-5800 ext.2704
[email protected]

Administrative team

Director
Gilles Comeau

Associate Director
Anna Zumbansen

Education and Outreach Coordinator
Nicole Stanson

Research Associate
Mikael Swirp

Administrative Assistant
Yuanyuan Lu