A Music & Well-Being Revolution
Ready to strike a chord in the campus community, the University of La Verne has launched an exciting new initiative that blends the transformative power of music with student well-being. Led by the Music Department and the Institute of Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being, this innovative program is all about using music to connect students, boost mental health, and create a stronger sense of belonging on campus.
“We know music has the power to heal, unite, and inspire,” said Grace Xia Zhao, chair of the Music Department, who helped kick off this initiative with a team of campus collaborators. “It’s an exciting step toward building a thriving community and we’re thrilled to bring this powerful experience to our students.”
The first event of this initiative? A Wonder Gathering—a special event that combines live music, reflection, and well-being practices. Designed by singer-songwriters Tricia Fox and Paula Toledo, Wonder Gatherings are all about awe, wonder, and personal strengths. This event, the first of its kind in Southern California, features performances by Fox, Toledo, and pianist Zhao. Students experience how music can spark joy and help us connect with ourselves and each other.
But it doesn’t stop there. The Institute of Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being will be on hand to study how music affects students’ sense of community and overall well-being. With the challenges of the pandemic still fresh, this research aims to discover how music can fight loneliness and improve mental health among students, creating a stronger, more supportive campus environment.
“The pandemic has profoundly affected everyone, especially college students, resulting in a decline in in-person interactions,” said Nicole Mahrer, director of the Institute of Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being. “We want to explore how music can combat loneliness and enhance student well-being—particularly as students continue to navigate mental health challenges.”
The Wonder Gathering is just the beginning of a series of events held in the Ludwick Center Sacred Space, designed to foster mindfulness, unity, and inner peace. Future experiences will include a song bath, a percussion festival, and even a panel discussion—all designed to promote mindfulness, unity, and inner peace through the universal language of music.
It’s time for students to tune in, connect, and be part of something truly transformative!
