Lang Lang Highlights Music’s Impact on Children’s Mental Health

Renowned concert pianist Lang Lang has unveiled a new mental health initiative aimed at children and young people, highlighting the crucial connection between music and mental wellbeing.

The Chinese musician, 42, is well-known for his active support of youth music opportunities through his Lang Lang Foundation. Among other projects, the foundation has spearheaded a program to set up cutting-edge “piano labs” in state schools across the UK.

In a new collaboration with Place2Be, a leading children’s mental health charity, the Lang Lang Foundation is focusing on Youth Mental Health Day on September 19. They are inviting musicians and creatives to share songs that either help them feel calm, uplifted, or more connected with the world. These songs will be compiled into themed playlists and shared publicly to draw attention to the link between music and mental wellbeing.

“Having witnessed the growth of the Lang Lang Foundation in both China and the US over the years, I am now thrilled to see its wonderful developments in the UK,” Lang Lang told The Independent.

“Implementing our education program in UK schools is a remarkable achievement. Our new initiatives in areas such as child bereavement, hospice care, and children’s mental health mark the beginning of something very special. We have very ambitious goals, and I very much look forward to expanding our impact here.”

A recent investigation revealed a staggering increase in the number of children being referred to NHS mental health services in England for anxiety, reaching record levels. The data shows that the number of referrals for anxiety has doubled since the year before the Covid-19 pandemic, with 98,953 referrals made in 2019-20 and 204,526 in 2023-24, with anxiety being the primary cause.

Adele New, spokesperson for Place2Be, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “It has been such an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation on the Wellbeing Playlist project,” she said.

“Using creativity and art to support children’s mental health is at the heart of what we do. This campaign offers space for young people and the adults around them to explore how music can help them feel uplifted, calmer, or more connected with others.”

The Lang Lang Foundation, initially launched in China, has expanded globally, including significant activities in the US and other countries. Its core mission is to bridge the music education gap in underfunded state schools.

Oli Rose, global development director for the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, praised the impact of their efforts in the UK. “Our mission to inspire and innovate in both music education and support for children in need has already brought significant change to many young lives through our core programs and spontaneous initiatives.”

“Additionally, our collaborations with charities focused on child bereavement, hospice care, and children’s mental health have powerfully demonstrated the crucial role music plays in a child’s journey, especially during challenging times.”

The new initiative will officially launch on September 19 to coincide with Youth Mental Health Day.

Source: The Independent, The Guardian