MUSIC HEALS US. It can provide solace in difficult times, and help us celebrate moments of joy. The transformative power of music is at the heart of this compilation of intimate recollections by Canadians from every province and territory. In these remarkable stories, Canadians from all walks of life—including world-renowned celebrities from Sarah McLachlan and Chris Hadfield to Madeleine Thien and Theo Fleury—share how music changed their lives. The Awesome Music Project Canada: Songs of Hope and Happiness is a beautifully illustrated tribute to the music that comforts us, moves us, and lifts our spirits. Rounding out the book are descriptions of the neurological research confirming that music is good for us. It improves our mental, emotional, and physical health, wards off depression, and even delays dementia. Put simply: music makes us feel good. Written for the music lover in all of us, proceeds from The Awesome Music Project Canada will go to music and mental health research, starting with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres.

Terry Stuart's profile page

Robert Carli's profile page

Terry Stuart is the Chief Innovation Officer at Deloitte with a keen personal interest in mental health and the healing power of music. Growing up on a dairy farm in Simcoe, Ontario, Stuart’s love for music was kindled by his mother, Cynthia, whose encouragement through piano lessons, playing in bands and choirs, and trips to the symphony sparked the musical fire within. An inspiring music teacher, Hugh McArthur, helped build on his passion. Two years DJing in Wales at the United World College of the Atlantic fanned the flames as Stuart gained an appreciation for global music from his classmates from around the world.
Robert Carli spends most of his time writing and producing music for TV and film. He has years of experience as a performer in a wide variety of styles ranging from avant-garde and classical to jazz and rock, and has received numerous awards and honours, including five Gemini and three Canadian Screen awards. He is also a saxophone player who has recorded and performed with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Art of Time Ensemble, Barenaked Ladies, and Danny Michel.

"I have given my whole life to writing, recording, and performing music, and I'm STILL fascinated by what it means to people. This is a wonderful read."
- Ed Robertson, singer-songwriter, Barenaked Ladies

"Music is the one thing in my life that has always been consistently comforting. Listening to songs on repeat was the best kind of therapy I could have ever hoped for. The soundtrack of my life, all the thousands of songs, has made life worth living."
- Jann Arden, Juno-award-winning singer-songwriter

"The premise of this book, the healing powers of music, is one I heartily believe. Reading so many varied examples of people's personal experience is utterly fascinating."
- Maureen Jennings, author