The

Vision

Performing arts demands more than technical skill — it often involves emotional vulnerability, public scrutiny, self-critique, and pressure. For many young artists (ages 14–21), this period overlaps with heightened developmental, identity, and social challenges. Coupling that with the elevated mental-health risks found in artistic environments means there’s a real need for safe, holistic support.

That’s why it’s important to us that The Encore Project creates a space where mental wellness and creative growth go hand in hand. We believe supporting the whole person — mind, heart, and artistry — is essential.

Recent research reinforces the urgency of this work. A 2025 review found that performing and creative artists are at a significantly higher risk for mental-health challenges than the general population. Studies of student performers have shown similar patterns; for example, research on young musicians indicates that anywhere from 21% to 50% experience performance-related anxiety, with those rates rising during adolescence. Additional studies of arts students have reported notably higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-arts students, underscoring the reality that many young performers are navigating both creative expectations and emotional strain. Together, these findings highlight why programs that integrate artistic development with mental-health support like The Encore Project are not just valuable, but necessary.

The Statistics:

Research shows that students and young people in the performing arts face significantly higher rates of mental health challenges than their peers. For example:

  • A large study of music and arts students found that they report higher rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to the general student population. Specifically, the odds of anxiety were ~ 1.6 times higher, and depression ~ 1.4 times higher. Frontiers+1

  • That same study found that 34.0% of music/arts students screened above threshold for combined anxiety and depression symptoms — compared to 26.5% of the general student population. Frontiers

  • Studies of performance-related anxiety (often called Music Performance Anxiety / MPA) estimate that among student musicians, between 21% and 50% experience performance-related anxiety; and that rate may increase during adolescence. ScienceDirect+2ScienceDirect+2

  • Among both students and professionals, MPA remains one of the most frequently reported mental health concerns — with prevalence estimates ranging widely (depending on study) from roughly 16.5% up to 60% among musicians in general. Cambridge University Press & Assessment+1

Taken together, these data suggest that a substantial portion — perhaps one-third or more — of young performing artists struggle with anxiety, depression, or performance-related stress.