Terry Lewis To Succeed Karl Bruhn As New Chairman Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute

MEADVILLE, PA.—The Board of Directors of Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute (YMWI) recently named Terry Lewis as Chairman of the Board. Lewis, who retired as Executive Vice President of Yamaha Corporation of America in 2008, succeeds Karl T. Bruhn, the Institute's founder and first Chairman. Bruhn, the acknowledged Father of the Music & Wellness Movement, passed away on October 5 following a brief illness.  The Board of Directors also announced establishment of a memorial research fund to honor Bruhn's contributions.

YMWI CEO, Barry Bittman, MD added, "We are extraordinarily honored to have Mr. Lewis as our new chairman.  His vast experience, keen insights and unparalleled knowledge of the field is certain to advance YMWI's strategic initiatives.  His dedicated commitment to integrating music and medicine from a humanistic perspective is certain to positively impact many lives throughout the world well into the future."

"The Institute is poised to play a unique and pivotal role in expanding the science of music and wellness," noted Lewis. "I look forward to carrying on the important work of Karl Bruhn and strengthening the power of his vision through compelling and groundbreaking scientific research, even more of which will be emerging soon. Anyone who is not yet convinced that music participation improves one's biological and emotional state will be persuaded after becoming familiar with the work of the Institute. This will translate to more active music makers."

YMWI is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization established to scientifically explore and share the benefits of creative musical expression as an effective wellness strategy. Its mission to reestablish active music participation as a healthy lifestyle strategy is supported by a strong focus on research and education. Over the past decade, Bittman and Bruhn collaborated to conduct a series of comprehensive research projects to test and demonstrate the bio-psycho-social aspects of recreational music making.

"YMWI has accumulated a credible body of scientific evidence that strongly supports the powerful connection between music making and wellness," says Dr. Bittman. "From an historical perspective however, our important work is just beginning.  Our collaborative work with The Cleveland Clinic, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Berklee College of Music, Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, we are dedicated to enabling people to take an active and meaningful role in their health and well-being through creative musical expression.

For more information on the Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute (YMWI), write to 18201 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, PA 16335; call 814.333.5061; or visit www.yamahainstitute.org