MISSION STATEMENT
Birdsong New Music Foundation is a nationally registered Canadian Charity – (#777564873RR0001) approved by CRA with the following purpose:
To relieve conditions associated with disability by operating a social business that provides access to music production facilities and related support to musicians/individuals with a diagnosed mental illness. And to undertake activities which are ancillary and incidental to the achievement of the above charitable purpose which includes: original music production, music / video production, concert production and touring.
Through the process the charity creates hope for those who struggle using “music” as a prescription for wellness. Birdsong New Music Foundation was founded by Margaret Konopacki who lost her musician son John-David to mental illness and stigma. (1987-2017) The charity is dedicated to helping others like David find a way out of the hopelessness of life with mental illness. David had a deep love of songwriting and a passion for performing. Helping others with the same passion, Birdsong New Music Foundation is creating a necessary and healing outlet for the mentally ill through the power of new and live music.
Applicants accepted into our program are given access to professional recording studios, producers and a community of musicians who want to help, all with the monetary support of the Birdsong New Music Foundation.
THE LATEST BIRDSONG RELEASE
Peoples' Poet, Robert Priest, Releases New Song
Robert isn’t afraid to say what he feels. When speaking with poet and songwriter Robert Priest, you can’t help but think: wow — what a gentle, sweet, and interesting person, with an amazing head of hair.
Over coffee, the kind words begin, the conversation shifts from light banter to the bizarre and the dark, and I sit back and listen — deeply intrigued by this poet’s mind as I jot down notes. Often referred to as the People’s Poet, Priest’s body of work — fourteen books of poetry and eight CDs of music — beautifully captures the rainbow of emotions that comprise the human spirit.
He has long had his share of admirers among the literati. Toronto Poet Laureate Lillian Allen, for instance, calls him “one of my favourite poets ever.” “He is the people’s poet,” she says, “because he speaks to people about real-life situations and isn’t afraid to say what he feels. He is generous and has always supported other poets and artists, especially those who are breaking the rules.”
Research continues to affirm the incredible power of music to heal and uplift. Studies show that listening to music can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and irritability. At the forefront of this research, the Royal Ottawa Hospital is using brain scans to uncover how music can heal some forms of mental illness—bringing science and art together in remarkable ways.
Music is more than entertainment; it’s a natural mood booster. By stimulating the release of endorphins, it creates feelings of happiness, relaxation, and calm. It also helps improve focus and motivation, making it a powerful tool for personal well-being.
From improving heart rate and motor skills to enhancing brain stimulation and strengthening the immune system, the benefits of music are as diverse as they are profound. Truly, music is medicine for the soul.
Dr. Florence Dzierszinski | President, University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research
"We know that music can help with healing brain dysfunctions and other conditions. We use brain scanning as part of our research into this area and it shows that music in fact helps bring positive response and can heal people, especially in the area of mental illness. We are bringing music to our patients at The Royal Psychiatric Hospital in Ottawa and the community as a social “prescription”.
We have been at events and concerts that Birdsong New Music Foundation have produced with artists who have mental illness and we are very happy to endorse their work and participate in this work that they do. They were part of our keynote speaker address in 2023 at the Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) and we support the work of the birdsong artists who have performed here at our symposium and at other live events we have endorsed. They do the work in the field that we do the research about!"
MEET THE BIRDSONG ALUMS
