Supporting Kids Through Music: The Impact of the Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative (MCWI)

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of music on childhood well-being with experts from the Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative.

In this episode, we explore the power of music as a tool for emotional healing and developmental support in childhood. I’m joined by two remarkable guests: Dr. Nicole St. Jean and Dr. Sarah Bartolome, who are co-leading of the Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative (MCWI) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Together, they bring deep experience in education, public health, and the healing arts. Dr. Nicole St. Jean is an educator, counselor, and advocate for trauma-informed practices in schools. Dr. Sarah Bartolome is a music educator and researcher whose work bridges music, identity, and child development. Together, they share the vision behind MCWI and how music can be integrated into the lives of children to support their mental health and emotional growth. Key takeaways from this conversation: Music is more than art—it's a therapeutic tool that can promote regulation, resilience, and connection, particularly for children who have experienced trauma. The Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative (MCWI) is creating new models that blend public health, education, and music to meet the emotional needs of children where they are across the globe. Healing…

People in this episode

Guests: Dr Sarah Bartolome, Dr Nicole St Jean

Topics covered

• music
• childhood well-being
• emotional healing
• developmental support
• public health

Keywords

• trauma-informed practices
• mental health
• emotional growth
• education
• healing arts

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Supporting Kids Through Music: The Impact of the Music for Childhood Well-Being Initiative

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