TED Talks Daily How music helped me live through long COVID | Joshua Roman
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Apr 19, 2025 
Joshua Roman, an accomplished cellist, composer, and TED Fellow, shares his inspiring journey navigating long COVID. He reveals how the condition nearly silenced his music career and the emotional battles he faced. Through powerful stories and personal expression, he highlights music's therapeutic role in healing. Roman performs Bach and unveils his new composition, 'Immunity,' showcasing resilience and transformation. His experiences underscore the importance of connection and vulnerability in overcoming life's challenges.
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Joshua's Long COVID Struggle
- Joshua Roman almost lost his ability to play cello due to long COVID symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.
- Returning to cello after months, he experienced deep emotional connection despite his physical limitations.
Letting Go Enhances Creativity
- Creativity can flourish when we let go of forcing outcomes and simply follow intuition.
- Joshua's joyful composition "Immunity" emerged when he relaxed and allowed music to flow freely.
Vulnerability Over Perfection
- Vulnerability creates space for genuine connection in art, beyond perfection.
- Embracing limits and openness helped Joshua find new meaning in music and himself after COVID.