MusiCares has released the findings from its fifth annual Wellness in Music (WIM) survey, which examines more than 100 indicators on the financial, physical and mental well-being of music professionals. Nearly 3,200 respondents offered insights on mental health, health care access and financial wellness within the music community.

“In recent years, our industry has made investments to improve mental health among the music community,” Theresa Wolters, MusiCares executive director, said in a statement. “Our data highlights positive progress, including increased uptake of therapy. Similar focus and investments are needed to address the structural and underlying issues that exacerbate mental health issues in music — especially because suicide and suicidal ideation remain prevalent.”

MusiCares named Wolters as its new executive director in August, three months after its previous executive director, Laura Segura, left the company.

Since its founding in 1989, MusiCares has provided more than $136 million in assistance to the music community. In the past year alone, that included $11.4 million in fire relief for Los Angeles music professionals and nearly $1.5 million in disaster response for Asheville, N.C., and Florida, alongside expanded year-round programs in mental health, recovery, preventive care, childcare and financial coaching.

Offering preventive, emergency and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net supporting the health and welfare of the music community. Founded by the Recording Academy as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares safeguards the well-being of music people through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts.

Here are five key findings from MusiCares’ 2025 Wellness in Music Survey.

11.4% of survey respondents reported suicidal ideation in the last year.

In 2025, 11.4% of survey respondents reported suicidal ideation in the last year, representing an increase from 8% in the 2024 survey and more than double the U.S. general population. 15.4% of respondents lost a music industry colleague to suicide in the last year.

“While suicidal ideation across the industry is alarming and highly concerning, specific groups are particularly vulnerable,” Wolters said. “Among respondents who experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault, suicidal ideation was 30%.”

20% of survey respondents knew a colleague who had been sexually harassed.

20% of survey respondents knew a colleague who had been sexually harassed, and nearly 10% knew a colleague who had been sexually assaulted in the last year. 21.7% of those who tour frequently and 20.3% of those who lost a colleague to suicide also had suicidal thoughts.

“The data underscores the importance of both comprehensive and targeted approaches, particularly for the most vulnerable to suicidal ideation,” Wolters said.

“In addition to being the largest provider of mental health support to the music industry, MusiCares has partnered with the Jed Foundation to provide curated training materials and resources on suicide awareness and prevention for music people. There is more we can collectively do.

“Promoting 988 across the music community is one clear opportunity. It offers the largest crisis support network nationwide, backed by states and the federal government. Making this number more visible can help ensure people have access to care when they need it most.

“Likewise, investing in reducing sexual harassment and assault is integral to strengthening mental health, especially for women. Safe Tour is an excellent resource for training and guidance in this area. MusiCares also provides financial assistance, including access to therapy and medical care, for those who have experienced sexual violence or harassment.

“Increasing access to mental health on tour is essential. Amber Health is the leader in providing evidence and clinically based mental health care on tour. MusiCares is proud to partner with Amber Health on formative research to demonstrate the impact of having mental health services on tour.”

85% of survey respondents have health insurance, a slight decrease from 2024.

85% of survey respondents have health insurance, representing a slight decrease from 2024 and about 7-8% lower than coverage among the U.S. general population.

“Nearly half of respondents have their insurance through federal programs or the Affordable Care Act, making them particularly vulnerable to potential changes in tax credits, subsidies and health care legislation,” Wolters said.

“Additionally, essential preventive health care access is considerably lower among music professionals. Data from the survey shows that life-saving cancer screenings — including mammograms, colonoscopies, cervical cancer screenings, and prostate cancer screenings — are considerably lower among music professionals than the U.S. general population.

“In the last year, MusiCares provided over 5,300 free preventive health care services for music professionals, in addition to millions of dollars to support treatment costs. We will continue to grow access to preventive health care, while supporting access to health insurance.

“Music Health Alliance is the leader in helping music professionals obtain health insurance and advocating on their behalf to reduce medical debt. MusiCares works in close coordination with Music Health Alliance to ensure comprehensive health care for our clients.”

35% of survey respondents have a chronic disease.

35% of survey respondents have a chronic disease, and nearly half of those with a chronic condition report that it impedes their ability to work in the music industry.

“Extensive evidence shows how chronic conditions can heighten risks of depression and anxiety,” Wolters said. “Our industry has already demonstrated a powerful commitment to mental health, building that same momentum around overall health care will be just as transformative.”

78% of survey respondents make less than $100,000.

78% of survey respondents make less than $100,000, and “overwhelmingly” report they cannot cover their expenses through music work alone.

“While financial insecurity in music is not news, we are increasingly alarmed by the proportion of individuals who struggle to cover basic necessities, like housing and food costs,” Wolters said. “In the last year, MusiCares provided more than $3 million just in assistance to help with the most basic and essential living needs among our community, like rent and utilities.

“Financial insecurity takes a major toll on mental health. 40% of respondents attribute their anxiety to their finances and 32% attribute their depression to finances. Our experience shows that providing a financial safety net, along with financial management advisory services and education, makes a difference in mental health. At MusiCares, we see every day the impact that basic financial assistance makes in the overall well-being of our community.”