sound relationships
for mental health

what we offer

FOM Music Society is a charitable organization that offers musical opportunities to persons recovering from mental illness. Our music programs are diverse, and serve adults of ALL ages (over the age of 16). We cater to musicians of every skill level, whether you are new learner, or an experienced musician.

For full details on the range of Music Lessons, Performance Groups, Drop-ins, Community Concerts and Special Events we offer, please visit our PROGRAMS page. Our regular music programs run from September-June, and most are continuous entry. We switch to summer programming for the month of July, with music workshops that differ from our regular programming.

new to fom music society?

You are welcome to try out any of our groups to see what fits. Our programs are accessed through self-referral. If you are new to the group, please call or email us in advance to let us know when you plan to attend. We are always happy to advise on which groups might be a good fit, based on your interests, skill level and other preferences. All FOM programming takes place in-person at the Eric Martin Pavilion Theatre (Please use the Fort Street entrance – glass sliding doors).

Visit our memberships page to fill out our online membership form.

program calendar

To stay current with what’s offered each month at FOM Music Society, you can find our program calendar on the reverse side of every issue of Get the Beat Newsletter. We email a digital copy, bi-monthly, to all of our active members and participants. You can pick up a print copy at the Eric Martin Pavilion Theatre lobby. Head to our Newsletter page to view and download current and past issues of our newsletter in PDF.

THE NOV-DEC 2023 NEWSLETTER IS NOW AVAILABLE:

Visit the ‘About Us’ Page to learn more about our organization, or keep scrolling for a summary what we do at FOM Music Society.

join fom in the royal Victoria marathon! (oct 7th-8th)

On your mark. Get set. Go! We’re looking for runners or walkers to sign to join one our official teams. We currently have an 8k team, a Half Marathon team and a 5k walking team. This event will help us to raise awareness of our charity and funds to support our music programs.

Our Race Roster donation page will remain open till the end of October. Donate now!

HEALTH & sAFETY

FOM Music Society operates out of the Eric Martin Pavilion (part of Royal Jubilee Hospital), we are subject to health and safety protocols set by Island Health.

Island Health has informed us that with the start of the Respiratory Season we are required to adopt some new protocols: staff members are required to wear masks (effective Tuesday Sept 3rd, 2023). While it not mandatory for participants, we are encouraging everyone to mask-up to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses. We have surgical masks available in the lobby and Theatre, so please help yourself.

We ask that everyone continue to self-monitor for symptoms of contagious illness and to stay home if you are feeling unwell, even if symptoms are minor.

VACCINE POLICY

All staff, instructors and volunteers are required to be vaccinated.

Everyone coming to Friends of Music is encouraged to stay up to date with vaccinations, but it is not mandatory.

These policies are subject to change at any time.

HIGHLIGHTs of programs & events

Click on each poster to view large

For more information on the full range of programs offered at FOM Music Society visit our programs page:

What We Do

01.

—we play music

We offer a diverse array of programs that cater to musicians and performers of all skill levels: music lessons for beginners and beyond, drop-in and performance groups including both open-ended and structured ensembles.

02.

— We promote recovery

Making music is a powerful means of relating to others and supporting good mental health. We actively promote music as a vehicle for connection and recovery. Our programs are an essential part of our member’s recovery plans.

03.

—We reduce barriers

We actively seek to remove financial barriers to accessing supportive mental health programs. Our supporters make it possible to offer music programs at no charge, with some loaner instruments available. Low-cost annual memberships are optional.

04.

—we build confidence

Our focus is on people’s abilities, building a sense of purpose, confidence and self-esteem. Our services are delivered in a manner that promotes hope and optimism, recognizes the worth of each participant, and provides the highest possible quality of life.

05.

— We foster community

We co-create a safe, supportive, fun and welcoming space for newcomers, existing members and volunteers alike to learn, connect and enjoy making music together! Everyone has a place here and participants do not need a referral.

06.

— We Create employment

We undertake initiatives that facilitate employment and recreation opportunities for persons living with mental illnesses. These initiatives help to improve financial wellbeing through meaningful work and assist those facing barriers to employment.