Community Health Musician Certificate

Empowering Musicians to Advance Community Well-Being

An image of a small group of people talking together.

Music has the power to heal, inspire, and bring people together. The Community Health Musician Certificate empowers musicians from all backgrounds to use that power to make a difference.

Communities today face challenges like isolation, stigma, and loss of connection. Musicians are uniquely positioned to help. Through increased training, reflection, and collaboration, musicians can learn how to translate their artistic strengths into meaningful community impact, creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

In the News: Read an article about the pilot launch of Berklee's Community Health Musician Certificate program.

Developed by Berklee’s Music and Health Institute, this hybrid program bridges artistry and public health, training musicians to design and lead inclusive, music-based programs that support connection, creativity, and community resilience.

What You'll Gain

Practical skills in trauma-informed practice, inclusive facilitation, and community program design
Hands-on experience developing and implementing your own community music initiative
Mentorship from Berklee faculty and leading practitioners in music, health, and public practice
A national network of artists, educators, and community leaders using music for social impact

Join a Growing Movement

To date, graduates have collectively supported over 200 community members nationwide through music-centered health initiatives—from peer recovery programs to creative aging workshops and more.

“My understanding of the role of music in community health soared to new heights.”

“Anyone who is serious about using their art to positively impact their community should consider this program.”

Be part of a movement that’s redefining what it means to make music for good.

Applications are now closed.

Cost: $1,500.00
Flexible payment plans and some need-based scholarships are available.

Program Highlights

Hybrid Format: Online modules + two in-person intensives
Expert-Led Learning: 25+ modules on music, health, well-being, program design and social impact
Small Cohort Model: Supportive peer network and personalized supervision
Community Project: Design and lead a real-world program in your own community
Ongoing Alumni Support: Continued mentorship, networking, and professional growth opportunities

Program at a Glance

Duration: 9 months
Format: Hybrid (online learning + two in-person intensives)
Time Commitment: ~1 hour per week
Next Cohort: January 12–13, 2026
- January 12th, 2026; 6-8pm
- January 13th, 2026; 9:30-3pm
Location: Berklee NYC; 441 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019

Who is this for?

Musicians curious about how music can enhance community health and well-being
Musicians looking to expand their skills to create impactful, music-based experiences
Community leaders and arts administrators eager to use music to build stronger connections
Educators seeking equity-focused approaches to advance arts and health initiatives
Open to participants regardless of prior education

What can I expect?

Small, supportive cohort of like-minded peers
Instruction and mentorship from renowned Berklee faculty and experienced community leaders
Engagement in online modules focused on mastering and applying essential concepts, such as music, health, and well-being; facilitating music-based experiences; arts in health research; and trauma-informed practices
Synchronous online guest speaker series featuring experts at the intersection of community, music, and health
Participants will design and implement community programming with guidance from a dedicated supervisor, plus ongoing support in connecting with local community organizations, ensuring their programs are impactful and aligned with community needs
Two in-person intensives, focusing on best practices in community program development
A weekly commitment of approximately 1 hour per week

Curriculum

The curriculum spans a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

trauma-informed practices;
group facilitation and program design;
music, health, and well-being;
practitioner self-care; and
grants and funding.

Training Co-Directors

Joy Allen, PhD, MT-BC

Director, Berklee Music and Health Institute; Berklee Music Therapy Department Chair

Renate 艶子 Rohlfing, MM, MA MT-BC

Associate Professor, Berklee College of Music

Questions? Contact musicandhealthinstitute@berklee.edu.

This training is offered in partnership with Berklee NYC, Chamber Music America, and TMCity Foundation.