Friends of Music: Where you can make friends while enjoying the music

This article was created for Victoria Foundation, and produced independently by Capital Daily. It was approved by Victoria Foundation before it was published.

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It is very rare for someone to say they love their work and that every day is a party. For Janet Pryer, executive director of FOM Music Society, also known as Friends of Music, this is her daily experience. Pryer is an accountant by trade and a CPA with decades of experience in the corporate world. But her path in life changed more than a decade ago, when she was out with her family and heard a band playing music on a float.

“I was at the Victoria Day parade with my children, who were young at the time, and I saw a band on a float, and it said that they were making music for mental health. That was Friends of Music,” Pryer said.

Shortly after, Pryer started volunteering at FOM and eventually continued on until she became the non-profit’s executive director. “I often say, when people ask me about my work, that it’s a party every day,” she said. Pryer isn’t just an accountant; she also plays the trumpet in community bands.

FOM provides support for people who have mental health illnesses. The organization does not offer therapy or music therapy, since it does not formally employ music therapists or other types of therapists. It provides a welcoming space where people can gather and learn how to play music.

Numerous studies have shown the importance of music in supporting mental health. There is also no shortage of research about the effects of community and social connection on improving mental health outcomes, especially among people suffering from mental illnesses. FOM provides the benefits of both music and community for people with mental health challenges to support their journey to wellness.

“Many people with mental illnesses sometimes face isolation because they’re nervous to come out and try things,” Pryer said.

FOM provides affordable music lessons and other music-related activities. The annual membership costs $10. FOM currently has 225 paid members and an additional 100 people participating in its programs and activities.

For many people, struggling with mental health issues can be very isolating. Depression and anxiety, for example, are some of the most common mental health challenges, and sometimes lead to isolation and loneliness.

“I remember once I was handing out posters. I said, ‘Can you just put these posters anywhere that you go during the week?’ And one person just looked at me and said, ‘This is the only place I go during the week,’” Pryer said. “It’s a little bit of a launching pad to get people brave enough to get out in the world again.”

Pryer said she often hears similar statements from many FOM members who credit the non-profit with providing them a safe, welcoming environment where they can play music, see others, interact, and even make friends.

Janet Pryer, executive director of FOM Music Society. Photo: Submitted

Over the years, the most significant challenge Pryer has faced is fundraising for FOM.

“I think in mental health in general, it seems like the need is increasing, and our funding doesn’t necessarily always increase at the same rate as the need,” Pryer said. “We’re very grateful to all our volunteers who make it possible. As a charity, we’ve got lots of volunteers and volunteer time put into this important work.”

The non-profit recently received a $12,000 Community Grant for general operating and program support from the Victoria Foundation. It also receives some funding from various government organizations.

FOM has a team of 20 runners in the upcoming Royal Victoria Marathon, and everyone is welcome to donate or sponsor a team member. Pryer herself is training for a five-kilometre run as part of the marathon to raise funds.

“I train every Saturday, but I have to admit, I’m not getting any faster,” Pryer said. “I think our most visible involvement is that we will have four bands performing along the race course.”

Those interested can also donate directly to Friends of Music on the non-profit’s website.