Inner Melodies: The Power of Musical Intervention | Adam Christoferson | TEDxNewHaven

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Adam's Journey and Inspiration

Adam received a grant to run open mics at a soup kitchen in New Haven, where he discovered talented individuals waiting to create music together.
Destiny, a woman who had experienced various traumas, inspired others to share their stories through music.
Adam's background includes growing up in Section 8 housing with a mother who had schizophrenia, being placed in foster care, and reuniting with his grandmother who provided stability.
Adam's uncle is Michael Bolton, and attending his concerts gave him a sense of belonging and importance.
Music became an escape and a way for Adam to overcome obstacles, leading him to pursue a degree in recreation therapy and work at an inpatient child psychiatric hospital.
At the hospital, Adam discovered the therapeutic power of music and songwriting for the children, helping them find a safe space to express themselves.
Adam met Jeremiah Brown, a patient who learned to write songs and later became a successful musician.

The speaker highlights the power of music and art in bringing people together and facilitating self-expression.
Scientific research supports the positive impact of music on mental health, including reducing depression, aiding individuals with gait disorders, and relieving pain.
The speaker describes various initiatives, such as the Bonnaroo Music Festival and the European Conference on Mental Health, where music and art were used to connect individuals and promote well-being.

Despite challenges, including losing Destiny during the pandemic and facing resistance from a landlord, Adam opened Musical Intervention Studio with the help of Project Storefront.
The studio provides a free space for people to come together, create music, and build community, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The studio organizes pop-up studios in different locations, bringing together diverse individuals from various backgrounds to create music spontaneously.

A partnership with the Perch Program for Recovery and Community Health and the Connecticut Mental Health Center led to a study funded by the National Institute of Health, the Kennedy Center, and the National Endowment of the Arts.
The study examined the impact of songwriting and group participation on individuals with auditory hallucinations, showing promising results in reducing distress and changing self-referential language.

Jeremiah Brown, a participant in the Musical Intervention program, shares his experience of finding a safe and creative environment where he can express himself mentally, musically, and emotionally.