TED Talks Daily
How music helped me live through long COVID | Joshua Roman
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.
18:26
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Quick takeaways
- Joshua Roman's experience with long COVID taught him the value of connection over perfection in his artistic expression.
- Embracing vulnerability allowed Roman to create freely, culminating in his original piece 'Immunity' that reflects his personal journey.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Long COVID
Joshua Roman shares his personal experience with long COVID, a condition affecting millions worldwide, which significantly impacted his ability to perform music. Initially, he struggled with basic tasks, including walking up stairs, and faced cognitive difficulties such as brain fog, which hindered his ability to read and drive. Symptoms of dysautonomia added to his challenges, creating unpredictability in his physical responses and daily functioning. This profound transformation from a healthy musician to someone grappling with a chronic illness pushed him to confront the reality of his situation and its impact on his identity as an artist.
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