Doctors in Montreal are now utilizing music as a form of treatment. The Montreal Symphony Orchestra has collaborated with a national physicians’ association to introduce a novel program enabling doctors to prescribe complimentary tickets to shows for their patients.
Mélanie La Couture, CEO of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, explained that physicians will provide prescriptions to their patients, who can then contact the orchestra to receive two free tickets for a concert of their choice. This initiative falls under the concept of social prescribing, where healthcare providers recommend non-medical interventions that can significantly impact individuals’ health and well-being, such as art, nature, or community activities.
The decision to involve the orchestra stemmed from the belief in the profound effects of music on both the body and mind. Nicole Parent, executive director of Médecins francophones du Canada, highlighted research-backed evidence showing that music can release endorphins, trigger dopamine, and lower cortisol levels, resulting in reduced stress, anxiety, pain relief, and enhanced cognitive function.
Beyond the orchestra, social prescribing encompasses a variety of interventions tailored to patients’ needs and preferences. Kate Mulligan, founder of the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing, emphasized the importance of providing access to activities like art, exercise classes, and nature, especially for marginalized communities who may not have easy access to such opportunities.
The positive outcomes of social prescribing extend beyond individual health benefits to include a reduction in healthcare system burdens and an increase in patients’ trust in the system. Studies have shown that social prescribing can yield a significant return on investment by reducing hospital admissions and emergency visits.
While the orchestra prescription program in Montreal is in its early stages, it has garnered interest from numerous doctors and other orchestras in Toronto and Quebec City. The organizers plan to gather data from the project to refine and expand it in the future, aiming to reach a wider audience and make a broader impact on individuals’ well-being.