Music’s power to heal, inspire and connect took centre stage during the inaugural lecture of Prof Conroy Cupido, director of the School of Music at the North-West University (NWU).

Hosted by the Faculty of Humanities at the Potchefstroom Campus on 12 June, the lecture explored the intersection of music, emotion and positive psychology.

Drawing on research and personal experience, Prof Cupido reflected on how singing supports emotional well-being, flourishing, personal growth and meaningful teaching. “Music offers us more than sound; it provides a space for reflection, connection and growth,” he said. “It allows us to understand ourselves and others through a different lens.”

The event featured live performances by students and staff from the NWU’s School of Music, blending scholarly insight with artistic expression.

The lecture positioned musical engagement as a catalyst for human flourishing, an idea grounded in Prof Cupido’s academic and professional career. “Flourishing is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of education and life,” he said.

Prof Cupido, who holds the first doctorate in vocal performance awarded to a South African, recently completed a Master of Arts in positive psychology at the NWU. His research focuses on music, well-being and the emotional dimensions of teaching and learning.

He also serves as president of the South African Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is a board member of Cape Town Opera.

Prof Conroy Cupido.