The Healing Power of Jazz

Jazz has long been a refuge for musicians seeking healing. Take Miles Davis, for example. Throughout his life, he battled personal demons—addiction, health struggles, and immense pressure from the industry. But he found a kind of therapy in the silent spaces between his notes. He once said, “It’s not the notes you play; it’s the notes you don’t play.” That philosophy of knowing when to let go, when to embrace silence, and when to take risks is central to jazz. And, as we’ll explore, it’s central to mental resilience as well.
Or consider John Coltrane, who saw music as a spiritual and healing force. His masterpiece A Love Supreme wasn’t just an album; it was a meditation, a prayer, an expression of transcendence through sound.
These artists weren’t just making music. They used jazz to process emotions, navigate life’s chaos, and find clarity in improvisation. And the best part? You don’t need to be a musician to tap into these benefits