2025 Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards Ceremony

Save the Date: 2025 Music Has Power® Symposium


We’re excited to announce the 2025 Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards, presented by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), returning to The Times Center in New York City on Friday, November 21, 2025.


This annual gathering brings together leaders in music therapy, neuroscience, and aging care for a powerful day of education, conversation, and celebration. Attendees include clinicians, senior care providers, arts-and-health professionals, and national thought leaders—all united by a shared belief in the healing power of music.


This year’s event will feature dynamic panel discussions, networking opportunities, and an evening awards ceremony honoring multi-platinum artist Maejor for his contributions to music and wellness.


Maejor: Music as a Force for Healing


We are proud to honor Maejor at this year’s Music Has Power® Awards Ceremony for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of music, wellness, and global impact. Inspired by his personal journey as a cancer survivor, Maejor has become a vocal advocate for the healing power of sound and music therapy.


As a Grammy-nominated artist and producer, Maejor’s work has amassed over 3 billion streams, including collaborations with Justin Bieber, DJ Martin Garrix, Keke Palmer, and many others. Beyond his commercial success, Maejor uses his platform to promote mental health awareness, spiritual well-being, and community engagement. His podcast—winner of Adweek Podcast of the Year—and appearances at the United Nations and World Economic Forum have positioned him as a global voice for the power of music to transform lives.


At the 2025 Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards, Maejor will also offer a special experiential sound session for attendees, providing a unique opportunity to witness and feel the therapeutic potential of sound firsthand.


Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available


We invite you to join us as a sponsor of this landmark event. Sponsors receive exclusive benefits, including:


  • Promo video placement between panels (1–2 min for all sponsors; extended for major underwriters)
  • VIP tickets and access to a private, off-site reception
  • Brand visibility during panel sessions and the evening awards ceremony
  • Alignment with innovation in music, brain health, and aging care


Sponsorship levels range from $2,500 to $25,000, with a Presenting Sponsor opportunity available at the $50,000 level.


To secure your sponsorship or discuss a custom package, please email us at imnf@wartburg.org.


Event Tickets and Sponsor Registration


More event details will be shared soon—stay tuned!

Dr. Tomaino to Present at Project Lifesaver 2025 Annual Conference

August 11, 2025
IMNF Executive Director Dr. Concetta Tomaino will present “Music and the Brain” at the Project Lifesaver 2025 Annual Conference, sharing how music impacts cognitive, physical, and emotional function for those living with neurological challenges.

IMNF Featured on the Shaping the Future of Aging Podcast

July 31, 2025
IMNF’s Director of Programming, Justin Russo, joins Shaping the Future of Aging to discuss how personalized music can support cognitive and emotional well-being in dementia care and other neurologic conditions.

Maejor Named 2025 Music Has Power® Awards Honoree

July 29, 2025
Maejor will be honored at the 2025 Music Has Power® Awards for his visionary work at the intersection of music, healing, and innovation. Join us in celebrating his global impact and commitment to advancing the therapeutic potential of sound.

The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function Marks Its 30th Anniversary

July 28, 2025
Celebrating three decades of music-driven healing, research, and education, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function marks 30 years of transforming lives through therapeutic music.

Spiritune Discount Now Available Through IMNF

July 23, 2025
Receive 10% off an annual subscription to Spiritune—a music-based app designed to support emotional regulation, focus, and well-being. Use code imnf10 at checkout.

Your Brain on Music: How Music Regulates the Nervous System and Heals

July 16, 2025
Discover how music can regulate the nervous system and support healing in a new Westchester Magazine feature on IMNF Executive Director Dr. Concetta Tomaino. Learn how IMNF continues to lead in clinical music therapy.

Dr. Concetta Tomaino to Speak at CUNY Neuroscience Initiative Event on Music & Neurologic Function

July 8, 2025
Join IMNF founder Dr. Concetta Tomaino as she explores the powerful intersection of music therapy and neuroscience at CUNY’s ASRC. Discover how music is transforming care for people with neurological conditions.
IMNF Launches Intergenerational Ukulele Club with Joyful Performance and Donation of Kana Ukuleles

IMNF Launches Intergenerational Ukulele Club with Joyful Performance and Donation of Kala Ukuleles

July 8, 2025
Mount Vernon, NY – June 2025 – The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) is proud to announce the launch of its Intergenerational Ukulele Club, a new initiative designed to bring people of all ages together through the power of music.

IMNF Partners with Songs of Love Foundation to Explore New Approaches in Dementia Care

July 3, 2025
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) has launched a new pilot study in collaboration with the Songs of Love Foundation to explore how custom-written, personalized songs may benefit older adults living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Building on the principles of the Music & Memory program, this study investigates whether individualized compositions—created using personal details such as the individual’s name, favorite activities, and family references—can help support memory recall, reduce anxiety, and increase emotional engagement. This initiative expands the scope of person-centered music interventions by introducing novel music tailored to the individual, rather than relying solely on familiar, pre-recorded songs. The study will collect qualitative and observational data from caregivers and care staff across a small cohort of participants to assess the therapeutic impact. By evaluating these outcomes, IMNF aims to contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting music-based interventions in dementia care and further refine strategies for effective, accessible applications in both home and institutional settings. If you or a loved one is interested in receiving a free personalized song, download this form and email to imnf@wartburg.org.

Dr. Concetta Tomaino to Speak at JoySpan Brain Wellness Salon

June 30, 2025
IMNF Executive Director Dr. Concetta Tomaino will speak at the JoySpan Brain Wellness Salon on July 18, exploring how music, rhythm, and frequency support neuroplasticity, memory, and healing in aging and cognitive care.