NHM First Fridays AMPLIFIED 2025| Natural History Museum

First Fridays 2025: AMPLIFIED

First Fridays AMPLIFIED

The 2025 First Fridays season turns the volume up on sound and music. We’ll tap into our relationship with music and how it affects our bodies and our lives. We’ll get tuned in to the science of sound healing. We’ll examine the sounds of nature and their value in environmental conservation and music creation. We’ll learn how music is experienced by the deaf and hard of hearing and what’s being done to make musical experiences more inclusive. Join us as we amplify unique voices, enriching perspectives, and dynamic music in the vibrant and stimulating setting of NHM after-hours.

Take in a stimulating talk in the new NHM Commons Theater, listen to live music in the Nature Gardens, and enjoy DJs, sound baths, art installations and other activities in the galleries throughout the Museum.

2025 Season

HEALING SOUNDS | March 7, 2025

What is the real science behind sound healing? Look into the experience of sound baths and music therapy for meditation and relaxation.

SOUND AND NATURE | April 4, 2025

How can studying and recording natural sounds benefit humans and help in wildlife conservation? What do the sounds around us mean in regards to our environment?

EXPERIENCING SOUND | May 2, 2025

What does it mean to be without sound? How is sound and music experienced by the deaf and hard of hearing? How are museums, concerts, and other venues bringing immersive and accessible experiences to all.

MUSIC AND THE MIND | June 6, 2025

What does listening to music do to your mind and well being? What has changed in the way we listen to music and what does it mean for society? What are the social and personal benefits of listening to music?

Upcoming Event:

MUSIC AND THE MIND
On June 6, explore how music affects our brains, emotions, and daily lives with neuroscientist and music producer Dr. Susan Rogers–plus live music, DJs, cocktails, sound baths, and more.

We aim to make NHM an exciting, educational, and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have any questions about your visit and the accessibility services we offer, contact our Call Center at 213.763.3466 or email info@nhm.org

Our Host and Moderator

Dr. Yewande Pearse is a neuroscientist turned science communicator, bridging the gap between science and culture. London-born and now Los Angeles-based, she is the founder of Nyewro, a science translation and communications company. Driven by the belief that science isn't just for scientists and has the power to connect people and communities, Nyewro's mission of "Broadening where science belongs" brings science into art galleries, music venues, and cultural institutions. She serves as an advisor to the California Science Center and is a Community Fellow at The Center for Diverse Leadership in Science at UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.

With research experience spanning fifteen years, Dr. Pearse developed therapeutic approaches for rare genetic brain disorders at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King's College London and The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA.

Driven by a mission to make complex ideas accessible, Dr. Pearse creates culturally relevant content through public programming, speaking engagements, podcasts, and media. Her collaborations include the Sundance Film Festival, LA Phil, Headspace, The Natural History Museum, California Science Center, Female Collective, SEED, Science Gallery Detroit, NAVEL, Fathomers, TEDMED, and DEEM Journal. She produced and hosted Sound Science on Dublab Radio, served as Media & Market Associate and co-producer & host of the Inside Biotech podcast, and has featured on NTS Radio.

Currently an Account Supervisor at Stellate Communications, Dr. Pearse helps academic researchers and non-profits thrive through the power of their science, enabling them to communicate their discoveries effectively and create meaningful impact.