MusiCares shared key findings from its 2026 Wellness in Music Survey on Tuesday (Nov. 10), revealing that financial instability, limited access to healthcare and persistent mental health challenges remain closely interconnected across the music industry.
More than 3,300 music professionals responded to this year’s survey in English and Spanish, representing every U.S. state and Puerto Rico and more than 40 professions across the industry. The annual survey examines more than 100 indicators, including financial security, physical and mental health, access to health insurance and preventive care, substance use and confidence in sustaining a career in music.
MusiCares’ takeaway from the study: “Taken together, the 2026 findings point to a need for the industry to look beyond individual wellness interventions and more closely examine the underlying conditions affecting whether music professionals can build healthy, sustainable careers.”
This year’s survey also included dedicated outreach to emerging music professionals aged 18 to 24 with support from Live Free 999, a nonprofit founded by Carmela Wallace in honor of her son, the late rapper Juice WRLD, offering a closer look at the challenges facing the next generation entering the industry.
Since its founding in 1989, MusiCares has distributed more than $146 million in financial assistance to the music community. Findings from the Wellness in Music Survey help MusiCares identify where needs are most urgent.
In recent years, survey findings have helped shape expanded services, including access to women’s and family care through Maven Clinic, increased education around cannabis use, and scaled preventive care services. Following last year’s Wellness in Music data showing persistently high rates of suicidal ideation among music professionals, MusiCares also expanded its mental health resources through Tune Into Mental Health, developed with The Jed Foundation (JED) to provide mental health and suicide prevention resources tailored specifically to the music community.
