Laurel Myers Hurst explores the musical meanings and neurological potential of drumming together for physical, mental and social health. Hurst has studied the philosophical foundations and practical applications of groove-based music for fifteen years, and she leads drumming for people of all ages and abilities. Hurst became so convinced of the therapeutic benefits of drumming that she left ten years of teaching university music appreciation and diversity courses to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Hurst has been named an Albert Schweitzer Fellow for innovation in healthcare among underserved populations working with clients at the Wexner Medical Center’s addiction recovery programs. Hurst also works with the Family Caregiver Community Research Study at The Ohio State University. Her scholarly and programming activities have been acknowledged through grants from the GRAMMY® Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council. Hurst shares insights on drumming and neuroplasticity for mental health in the forthcoming book, Groove Therapy. Laurel Myers Hurst explores the musical meanings and neurological potential of drumming together for physical, mental and social health. Hurst has studied the philosophical foundations and practical applications of groove-based music for fifteen years, and she leads drumming for people of all ages and abilities. Hurst became so convinced of the therapeutic benefits of drumming that she left ten years of teaching university music appreciation and diversity courses to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Hurst has been named an Albert Schweitzer Fellow for innovation in healthcare among underserved populations working with clients at the Wexner Medical Center’s addiction recovery programs. Hurst also works with the Family Caregiver Community Research Study at The Ohio State University. Her scholarly and programming activities have been acknowledged through grants from the GRAMMY® Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council.
