Music: A Medicine for All, Nebraska Medical Orchestra Uses Tunes for Wellness

May 5th, 2025

The Nebraska Medical Orchestra, based at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, offers a unique kind of healing. This special group brings together doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals through their passion for music. This initiative goes beyond being a creative outlet and has helped these medical professionals free themselves from the stress of their work. Katrina Cox, the choir director for Nebraska Medical Orchestra says, “The arts is definitely one of those things that contributes to overall wellness… [were] basically, prescribing social interactions and the arts [for these doctors].”

People going into medicine are faced with the crunch of time in their lives. Practicing medicine and taking care of others tends to leave little time of these professionals to pursue other passions. The Nebraska Medical Orchestra closes the accessibility gap for joining a music ensemble and empowers these arts with a dose of passion. Cox says, “We have people from Creighton, CHI, Methodist, Children’s…. we will find a place for everybody who wants to participate.” The Nebraska Medical Orchestra prides itself on its inclusive within the medicinal profession. Cox states, “[All] you need to be is associated with a medical occupation.”

This orchestra also builds a community within the walls of UNMC. Cox continues sayings, “I hope that the audience sees that this is about community… it is a team effort that makes this happen.” The Nebraska Medical Orchestra’s diagnoses that the arts is not something to be set aside but instead should play an active role in people’s lives.

More information about the Nebraska Medical Orchestra can a found at www.unmc.edu