Karl T. Bruhn first began to play under doctor’s orders. Music was prescribed to him by a family physician who understood that playing a wind instrument was the best medicine to help a young boy overcome asthma in an era when modern-day pharmaceuticals such as steroids and inhalers didn’t exist.

On the advice of that doctor Bruhn’s family moved to a climate more favorable to the condition, and he began studying clarinet. “Soon after starting lessons I wanted to quit,” says Bruhn. “But my mother persisted and found a teacher who inspired and motivated me.”

Bruhn learned to play the clarinet, and other instruments as well, and he eventually outgrew his asthma. He smiles when he remembers how his music teacher became a mentor. “That teacher helped me pick out my first tuxedo and went with me when I joined the American Federation of Musicians [the musicians’ union] at the age of 16.”

In fact, Bruhn became an accomplished musician and businessman. He is the former senior vice president of marketing for Yamaha Corporation of America. He has also served as executive director and president of the American Music Conference; president of the National Piano Foundation; president of the Piano Manufacturers Association International; and the director of market development for NAMM, the International Music Products Association.

Among his many honors is a Music Has Power Award presented in 2004 and sponsored by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function. Currently, he serves as a trustee for the International Foundation for Music Research and on the board of directors of Remo, Inc.

But Bruhn’s primary passion remains the idea that music is a health benefit for mind, body, and soul. “The wisdom of that old general practitioner resounds in my heart,” says Bruhn. “Now I am privileged to be exploring music and wellness with another medical professional. Barry Bittman, MD, is a renowned researcher in the field of mind-body medicine. We are collaborating on a series of comprehensive research projects focused on developing and scientifically testing the biological, psychological, and social benefits of recreational music making.”

Bruhn initiated and coordinated NAMM’s Music Making & Wellness Project. Along with Bittman and Craig Knudsen, Yamaha software developer, Bruhn created Yamaha’s “Clavinova Connection,” an innovative program designed to foster wellness through active music making in individuals who do not consider themselves musical.

Recently, a landmark scientific research investigation conducted by Bittman and Bruhn demonstrated, for the very first time, statistically significant reductions in burnout and mood disturbances, as well as phenomenal cost savings, in stressed long-term healthcare workers, utilizing a Recreational Music Making protocol called HealthRHYTHMS. He co-authored the Remo’s HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming facilitator training program along with Bittman and noted drum circle facilitator Christine Stevens.

With a keen focus on improving quality of life and health restoration, Bruhn and Bittman are presently engaged in a series of innovative scientific research studies exploring the development of new music-making technologies.

As seen in Making Music magazine (see link below:)
Each issue of Making Music offers inspiration, instruction, and information for the amateur musician. Read stories about music makers from all walks of life, learn about the latest medical research into the benefits of making music, discover tips to make you learn better and get the most out of your hobby, and much more.