Universal Music Group (UMG) has partnered with Cardiff’s Rescape Innovation to investigate a groundbreaking virtual reality (VR) treatment for anxiety that includes personalized music.
The initiative, called 'VR-Melody', aims to innovate mental health treatment by intertwining music with immersive virtual environments and active listening exercises, according to a press release released on Wednesday (December 11).
Study Details
Up to 50 participants will use the VR module at home for a duration of 10–14 days to assess its potential advantages.
Timing is critical for this study, as anxiety impacts roughly 60% of the population in the UK, with mental health expenses estimated at £105.2 billion ($134 billion) alone. Alarmingly, one-third of teenagers are prescribed antidepressants, with 43% of those aged 19-21 facing similar prescriptions, a point noted by Universal Music Group and Rescape Innovation in earlier research.
Expert Insights
“Many people struggle with anxiety symptoms. By combining virtual reality and music, we hope to give people tools to understand their mental health.”
Dr. Simon Riches, VR-Melody
Dr. Simon Riches, a clinical psychologist at VR-Melody, shared: “Many individuals face challenges with anxiety symptoms. By merging virtual reality with music, we aspire to provide individuals with resources to improve their mental health.”
“Having utilized virtual reality to treat mental health issues for several years, I’ve witnessed its beneficial effects on patients. This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of virtual reality’s unique features and has tremendous potential to assist a broader patient base. Our goal is to revolutionize mental health treatment and enhance individuals’ overall well-being.”
The multidisciplinary team, alongside Riches, comprises researchers from Rescape, UMG, an ethical artificial intelligence company, Bria.ai, and Cardiff University Clinical Trials Research Center. This project builds on Rescape’s existing DR.VR technology, currently in use in over 60 UK hospitals to aid patients.
Additionally, it capitalizes on UMG’s ongoing initiatives to incorporate music into health and wellness, having licensed its catalog to over 40 organizations that focus on mental wellness, fitness, and relaxation. The company also actively supports research into the therapeutic applications of music in various conditions like stroke recovery, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
In September, Universal Music India unveiled Vedas Records, a wellness music label in collaboration with three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kay. Last year, UMG also launched a music wellness app named Sollos.
James Healy, Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy and Business Development at Universal Music Group, stated: “The influence of music on mental health is well recognized. This new collaboration, integrating the UMG music library with virtual reality, paves the way for innovative treatments for anxiety, and we anticipate it will significantly impact people’s lives.”
The study is part of the Innovative British Thinking Augmented Reality for Digital Mental Health funding initiative, supported by Media Cymru. Participants, including members of a nonprofit organization Hafod, will provide feedback through regular sessions.
“This new collaborative study, combining the UMG music catalog and virtual reality, opens up new possibilities in the treatment of anxiety, and we hope it will make a real difference in people’s lives.”
James Healy, Universal Music Group
Kevin Moss, CEO of Rescape Innovation, remarked: “Daily, we witness the positive effects that our VR therapy treatment, named DR.VR, has on both staff and patients. This project is an excellent opportunity to explore the capabilities of music.”
“To tackle the mental health crisis facing our community, we require innovative ideas and new partnerships. UMG provides us with a vast array of beloved music, knowledge, and inspiration that can guide us toward a new approach to mental health.”
Results from this study are expected to be published in early 2025.
Universal Music to study music and VR treatment for anxiety with Rescape Innovation
