IMNF’s 2025 Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards Illuminates the Transformative Link Between Music, Neuroscience, and Emotional Well-Being

New York, NY (December 17, 2025) - The 2025 Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards, hosted by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) on Friday, November 21 at The Glasshouse in New York City, convened leading researchers, clinicians, artists, and practitioners for a powerful day exploring the science and spirit of music as a healing force.

This year’s theme, Music and Mental health: exploring the intersection of the neuroscience of music and emotions, music therapy, and advanced technologies, guided a full-day program unpacking how rhythm, melody, and memory influence emotional regulation, reduce stress, and support mental health across the lifespan. Experts in neuroscience, mental health, and therapeutic music shared compelling new research demonstrating why music can calm anxiety, unlock emotion, and reconnect people living with neurocognitive or neurologic conditions to themselves and their communities.

Three expert-led panels highlighted innovative and emerging work in the field:

• The Neuroscience of Music & Emotion
  Daniel Bowling, PhD (Stanford University) and Pablo Ripollés, PhD (NYU) discussed how the brain processes musical cues and why sound so powerfully influences mood, memory, and emotional states.
• Music Therapy & Music-Based Interventions
  Researchers Ellen McCreedy, PhD (Brown University) and Anna Palumbo, PhD (NYU) presented new insights on the role of music therapy in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health.
• Music-Based Technologies
  Joanna Peña-Bickley, Founder & CEO of VibesAi, showcased cutting-edge tools and technologies expanding access to music-centered mental health interventions.

A signature moment of the Symposium was the presentation of the Music Has Power® Award to Grammy-nominated artist, producer, and global wellness advocate, Maejor, recognized for his leadership in harnessing sound and music for healing.

Inspired by his own cancer survival journey and transformative experience with sound therapy, Maejor has become a leading voice in the global wellness movement. His work - spanning over 3 billion streams as both artist and producer, collaborations with top industry figures, and appearances at the United Nations and World Economic Forum - reflects his commitment to expanding the world’s understanding of music as a tool for healing. Maejor closed the evening with an immersive healing sound session, creating a powerful experience that resonated deeply with attendees.

“For thirty years, IMNF has championed the therapeutic use of music in clinical and community settings,” said Dr. Concetta Tomaino, Executive Director and Co-Founder of IMNF. “This year’s Symposium reaffirmed how essential music is to emotional well-being - and how much potential exists as research and practice continue to evolve.”

“I am grateful to be honored with the Music has Power award by the Institute of Music and Neurologic Function for our work in music and wellness. I’m looking forward to continued harmony in this space with those working to bring these wellness tools to needed people and places all over the world. Special thank you to Concetta and her amazing team at IMNF. Thank you to all of our partners at the Frequency School. It’s amazing to see the convergence of people from different worlds showcasing the healing power of music therapy for mental and physical health.” Featured speaker Maejor said.

“A global reference in the integration of music, neuroscience and rehabilitation took place last Friday was marked by very special moments. Being present at this meeting was a valuable opportunity to deepen my theoretical knowledge with experts and big names in the fields of music, neuroscience, health and technology. It was also a very special opportunity to revisit Dr. Tomaino and the dear group of people who make up the IMNF. It was a very beautiful and meaningful event for which I was very happy to be able to participate.” Maria Clotilde Tavares, said neuroscientist and music therapist from Brazil “Attendees included clinicians, researchers, music therapists, artists, students, caregivers, and community members united by a shared belief in the restorative power of music.

IMNF extends heartfelt thanks to all presenters, partners, supporters, and participants. The conversations sparked this year will continue to shape how music is used to heal mind, body, and spirit for years to come.”

About the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF)
Founded in 1995 by Concetta M. Tomaino, DA, MT-BC and renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks, MD, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function bridges the gap between neuroscientists and clinical music therapists to advance the therapeutic use of music. Today, IMNF provides cutting-edge education, training, and programming for music therapists, healthcare professionals, musicians, arts practitioners, and family caregivers, continuing its mission to bring the healing power of music to people worldwide.