Danica Solis

Ms. Castro

English 1301-161

November 2023

Mental Health and Music

The generality of mental health issues among musicians has been a growing concern in

society. The attraction to the music industry usually disguises the challenges that musicians hide.

Many studies show that music may be an excellent source for everybody but can be deteriorating

for people whose life revolves around music as they seem to struggle more than the worst with

their mental health. In the article, the author makes rhetorical statements when he uses logos and

ethos. He uses this to convey his message to the reader, help deliver an understanding of his

sources, evaluate the logical appeals presented in the article, and consider the background and

use of sources to enhance the use of ethos.

The author's use of logos in the second body paragraph (Music is good for us, right?.)

"However, evidence regarding the impact of playing music is not entirely consistent: a twin study

conducted by Wesseldijk et al. (2019, p. 1) proposed that overall individuals playing a musical

instrument (independent of their musical achievement) may have a somewhat increased risk for

mental health problems". This means that many musicians usually go through a laborious mental

process that consists of high pressure and competition. Since the music industry is highly

competitive musicians often face the stress of having to succeed which contributes to stress and

anxiety. As well as the stigma surrounding mental health. Many musicians might be unwilling to

seek help as many are afraid of the judgment and shame that might occur if doing so. Another

way the author uses logos is by sharing data from studies to show how musicians' mental health
has been throughout the years. (Music careers and psychosocial perspectives on work) studies

shown by Gross and Musgrave (2016) show that after selecting 2211 musicians and people

working in the music industry, 68% self-reported with depression and 71% suffered with

anxiety.

The article's purpose is to share and deliver a message that highlights musicians and what

they might be going through as some struggle more than others due to their work which can be

deteriorating for them.