How a Medical Orchestra Cultivates Creativity, Joy, Empathy, and Connection

Abstract

Background: Inspired by research indicating that exposure to humanities correlates with reduced burnout, the Nebraska Medical Orchestra was founded in 2018 as a collaboration between the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Music. Methods: Semistructured interviews about orchestra participants’ experiences were conducted with 9 musicians and recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results: The interviews suggested that participants are drawn to the orchestra to pursue a love of music, to be part of an ensemble, and to connect with others in an environment that provides a lighthearted, nonjudgmental, noncompetitive forum in which to create and enjoy music for its own sake. Conclusions: This study has implications for designing arts-based wellness activities for clinicians and scaling them nationwide.