Across the country—and here in New Jersey—youth mental health has emerged as one of the most urgent issues of our time. Every day, thousands of young people grapple with anxiety, depression, and overwhelming pressures in school and life. To respond, We Are All Music (WAAM), a nonprofit dedicated to harnessing the healing power of music, has launched its boldest initiative yet: “Music Can Save Lives.”
Backed by neuroscience and clinical research, the campaign is designed to prioritize brain health and emotional well-being, offering real-world solutions through music. For WAAM, this isn’t just about awareness—it’s about giving young people practical, powerful tools to cope and thrive.
“Music reaches where words can’t.”
At the center of the initiative is the WAAM Box Set, a program developed with Sounds of Saving (SoS). The set provides curated resources that use music as a form of emotional resilience, equipping teens with playlists, creative exercises, and techniques designed to calm the mind and strengthen emotional balance.
“Music reaches where words can’t,” said a WAAM spokesperson. “When you’re in a dark place, sometimes talking feels impossible. But listening to a song you connect with—or writing one of your own—can open the door to healing.”
Education: Bringing Music Into Classrooms and Campuses
WAAM’s mission doesn’t stop at individual tools. Through SoS’s dedicated programs, the initiative is reaching schools and universities across the nation.
The SoS HS curriculum integrates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into high school classrooms, helping students use music to process emotions and build stronger social connections. Meanwhile, SoS Uni brings the movement to colleges with campus radio campaigns, offering a familiar and accessible way to discuss mental health.
“Young people need spaces where mental health isn’t taboo,” explained Glenn Roberts, WAAM’s Director of Education. “By bringing these conversations into classrooms and student-led spaces, we’re giving teens and young adults permission to be honest about what they’re going through.”
Power of Music Benefit Concert: A Night to Remember
One of the most anticipated highlights of the initiative is WAAM’s second annual Power of Music Benefit Concert, set for October 29, 2025, at City Winery NYC. Partnering with Sounds of Saving, the event will feature live performances, storytelling, and community building.
For WAAM, the concert is about more than fundraising—it’s about showing music’s ability to unite and uplift.
“Every performance is a reminder of why we do this,” said WAAM founder Sarah Collins. “When people gather to sing, dance, and listen together, they feel less alone. That sense of connection is lifesaving.”
Breaking Barriers with Digital Tools
Recognizing that talking about mental health at home can be just as challenging as in schools, WAAM partnered with Amazon Music to launch “When You Can’t Say It, Play It.” This bilingual digital platform encourages families to use music as a bridge for communication.
“Sometimes a song says what you can’t,” Collins added. “This tool gives caregivers and teens a safe, creative way to start conversations they’ve been avoiding.”
Backed by the Music Industry
Support from the music world has been instrumental. Sweetwater, one of the nation’s largest music retailers, provided a $70,000 grant to help WAAM expand programming in underserved communities.
“We believe music belongs to everyone,” said Roberts. “This grant allows us to bring resources to schools and youth organizations that wouldn’t otherwise have access.”
Why This Matters in New Jersey
As a state with deep musical roots—from Asbury Park’s storied venues to music education programs across its towns—New Jersey is uniquely positioned to benefit from WAAM’s work. Local schools, parents, and community organizations are already exploring ways to integrate WAAM’s programs, bringing healing tools directly to the young people who need them most.
Explore more about the intersection of music, health, and wellness in our Health & Wellness section.
Looking Ahead
The Music Can Save Lives initiative is still in its early stages, but its impact is already visible. From classrooms to concert halls, WAAM is building a movement that treats music as more than entertainment—it’s a lifeline.
As Collins put it best:
“We’re not just teaching kids to listen to music differently. We’re showing them that music can carry them through their hardest days—and remind them they’re never truly alone.”
