Associations between music and health-related outcomes in adult non-musicians, amateur musicians and professional musicians – results from a nationwide Danish study

Previous research in music and health suggests differential long-term health implications for amateur versus professional musicians. The present study focused on (a) self-rated health of adult amateur musicians and professional musicians compared to non-musicians; (b) associations between self-reported music in early childhood homes and choice of staying musically active as adults; (c) associations between involvement in music in one’s early childhood home and adult belief in music as a health resource. Data originated from the Danish Health and Morbidity Survey 2013. The survey was based on a random sample of 25,000 adult Danes (response rate: 57%). Besides standard health-related questions the survey included eight specific music questions. The study revealed significant differences between professional musicians, amateur musicians, and non-musicians and between active and no longer active musicians (both amateurs and professionals). Active professional musicians reported a number of health problems, while active amateur musicians reported a significantly better health than both non-musicians and no longer active amateurs. A clear association was found between singing and playing in childhood and being active as professional or amateur musicians in adult life, and also believing that music activities and experiences can help to stay healthy.