Music In Healing: Glen Ward On The Launch Of Rhythm & Relief

Forbes

a day ago

Glen Ward, founder of Rhythm & Relief
Nearly one in four U.S. adults suffers from chronic pain, and over 58 million Americans report symptoms of mental illness annually. A longitudinal study, commissioned by the IFPI in 2023, across 20 countries reported that over 70% of respondents use music to relieve pain. In recent years, there is growing evidence showing music's power to reduce stress, improve memory, and accelerate recovery.
The concept of music as medicine is not new—ancient civilizations used music for healing—but it's gaining renewed legitimacy through modern science. In I Heard There Was a Secret Chord, Daniel Levitin highlights that listening to music you enjoy triggers the release of the brain's natural opioids - offering a pain relieving effect. In addition to controlled studies that show that specifically designed 'positive' music increased a key immune-system antibody known as Salivary IgA by 55%.
Beyond just pain relief, the application of music in health care spreads wide and deep, however, the integration of music into the U.S. healthcare system remains undersupported—modalities like music therapy are often excluded from insurance coverage and considered 'out-of-network,' limiting access. In fact, only 20% of U.S. music therapists receive insurance reimbursements.
Launched during Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2025, Rhythm & Relief is a nonprofit on a mission to help foster the integration of music as a tool for healing. Rhythm & Relief is an advocate and fundraising engine for a coalition of U.S.-based organizations that use music therapy and intervention to address chronic pain, mental illness, trauma, and emotional hardship.
Their 'ensemble' of partner nonprofits—each chosen for its evidence-based use of music in therapy—includes Music for All Seasons, Music & Memory, Music 4 Seniors, Songwriting With: Soldiers, Sounds of Saving, and Voices of Valor. Together, they support a diverse group including: veterans, hospital patients, domestic violence victims, incarcerated individuals. These organizations provide targeted services ranging from songwriting programs for veterans to therapeutic playlists for dementia patients.
As an umbrella nonprofit, Rhythm & Relief mobilizes the music and entertainment industries to generate awareness and donations through exclusive song releases, livestream benefit concerts, and large-scale events.
Its funding model is structured for transparency and impact: 85% of all donations go directly to member organizations, with the remaining 15% allocated to operating costs. 'Rather than have all these worthy programs competing for the same charity dollars, we wanted to offer a cooperative alternative,' says founder Glen Ward. 'We believe the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.'
Rhythm & Relief debuted with an official launch event in Los Angeles featuring live music, testimonials from beneficiaries, and previews of upcoming campaigns. One highlight is a collaboration with emerging artist Jada Nikole, who will debut her new single 'Always Been You' at Prince's Celebration in June. The song, donated without solicitation, was inspired by her personal connection to the cause.
'Jada reached out on her own. She resonated with our story,' Ward explains. 'It's a testament to how powerful this mission is.'
Rhythm & Relief was started by Glen Ward, a former CEO of Virgin Entertainment Group (North America) and past chairman of NARM—now known as the Music Business Association. Ward brings over 40 years of experience in the entertainment industry, retail and consumer technology to the cause. However, Ward is no stranger to philanthropy. He previously sat on the board of Nordoff Robbins and Music For All Seasons. He currently chairs Jazz Bakery, a cultural staple in Los Angeles.
Ward's passion for music as a healing tool, draws on firsthand experiences—from watching autistic children light up during music therapy sessions to witnessing music soothe distressed hospital patients—Ward sees music not just as complementary care, but as essential. 'Music isn't just entertainment—it's intervention,' he said. Rhythm & Relief aims to do more than fund existing efforts—it seeks to shift the public conversation. As Ward explained, 'We're here to really be shouting from the rooftops and to champion that cause, so raising awareness and raising those critical dollars.'
While its current focus is U.S.-based, Rhythm & Relief plans to expand globally, starting with the UK by the end of 2025. The organization also aims to grow its network of supported nonprofits from six to more than 25 in the coming years.
Beyond funding, Rhythm & Relief positions itself as a voice for the music-as-medicine movement. Its board includes industry leaders like Carmen Murray of Title 9, Chris Scoates, and Scotty Gelade—individuals who share a belief in music's deeper purpose.
For Glen Ward, the mission is deeply personal. He's seen music unlock emotion where words fall short, and he believes its potential is still vastly untapped. Rhythm & Relief is more than a funding vehicle—it's a call to elevate music as a credible, compassionate form of care. With the right support, what begins as a note can become a movement—one that transforms lives, one song at a time.