Tunefoolery Concert Ensembles is a musical group composed of and run by consumers (people receiving mental health services) who play and perform music to establish identities based on musical achievement rather than mental illness.

Tunefoolery was developed in 1994 at the Cambridge/Somerville Social Club in Massachusetts, a North Charles, Inc. drop-in center for adults with psychiatric disabilities. The program was created through the joint vision of Theresa Thompson, the Social Club's assistant director, as well as a musician, and a Social Club member, Mark Irwin, also a musician. Beginning in 1994, Tunefoolery had just four musicians. Today we are 50 musicians performing in ensembles or as solo acts playing a variety of music, from Classical to Folk and Rock. Also employed are a Project Leader, a Communications Coordinator, a Director of Developmen, a Concert Manager, and an Artistic Director (the only non-consumer employed).

	give consumers creative opportunities for healing and vocational rehabilitation
	provide underserved audiences with greater access to the arts
	empower the realization of musical talent
	promote awareness and increased understanding of mental illness among the general public

We are mental health consumers, friends, and allies who seek interaction with the community in a structured and healing setting. Music can serve as a common denominator by bridging the gap between people, whatever their mental status. We view robust mental health as a reasonable goal for all people, regardless of their place on the continuum of growth and success.

Over the years, Tunefoolery has brought much joy and healing to its performance sites where people with limited access to the performing arts have relished the opportunity for entertainment. As Tunefoolery musicians, we have learned that we can re-connect with our dreams, overcome obstacles, access our potential, and be productive, creative members of society. As we become more empowered and confident, we inspire hope and courage to others through education and performance. Thanks to Tunefoolery, our members have been able to achieve goals and dreams of being professional musicians, which have made us contribute to the community and become less dependent on caretakers to make decisions about our lives We have learned what it takes to create an enterprise that can transform our lives as well as our audiences.

The pursuit of meaning, creative expression, vocational opportunities, and connection with others through team work and music making has resulted in positive life changes for all of us. Tunefoolery has proven itself for almost 15 years as a profoundly significant model of recovery and empowerment. In most psychiatric centers, diagnosing mental illness and helping consumers cope with symptoms is the focus of treatment. However, within Tunefoolery, consumers strive to expand musical expertise, develop self-esteem, conquer performance anxiety, learn showmanship, and decrease the stigma that still prevails.

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