Evening star., 1952-12-25
Music 10 Help Heal
Sick Human Minds
Is Research Aim
BY the Assoeioied Press

NEW YORK, Dec. 25.-Can
music help bring sick human
minds and bodies back to health?
There's evidence it can. But
what kind of musical prescription
turns the trick? Soothing? Irri-
tating? A march. or symphony?
What music for each kind of
trouble, each type of individual?
The Music Research Founda-
ton, Inc, of New York is seeking
answers, so doctors someday may
be able to write musical prescrip-
tions.
"We musicians are aware of the
tremendous power of music. But
we can't expect doctors to pre-
scribe music as a therapy unless
they first have full knowledge of
the contents of the drug they are
prescribing" says Miss Frances
Paperte, founder of the founda-
ton and former concert and opera
singer.
"The exact impact of music on
emotions is only now being
studied" she said.
What Music Does.
The foundation is sponsoring
research to learn what music does
to and for people. so music may
be used scientifically in psychiatry
and medicine. This work is headed
by a research committee of lead
ing psychiatrists, physicians. psy-
biologists, musicians, and physi-
cists. DR.. Jay T. Wright of Colum-
bia University Teachers College,
is chairman of the board OF
directors.
In 1914, the Army's Surgeon
General authorized the foundation
to test. under medical supervision,
the effects of music on selected
patients at Walter Reed Hospital
in Washington. ..
One patient was wounded
bomber pilot. who had suffered
mental shock, Miss Paperte re-
calls. He was sullen, withdrawn.
At the first trial of music therapy,
he stayed only a few minutes.
But he returned the next day,
staying longer.
Music reminding him OF his
childhood touched him. He be-
came interested, finally he volun-
teered he had always wished to-
become a musician. The offer OF
piano lessons delighted him. 1t
was credited with helping to
change his mental attitudes and
aid his recovery.
Not Enough Known.
In 31a years experience, nu-
merous patients appeared to ben
eft, staff psychiatrists reported.
But it was apparent to medical
leaders, Miss Paperte says. that
not enough facts were known
about music and its effects on
people to make musical therapy
scientifically useful now.
More knowledge was needed.
The foundation now is sponsoring
three research projects.
At the University of Illinois,
psychologists are studying person.
ality and music preferences. One
aim is whether music can be USE
full in personality tests.
A University of Syracuse project
is studying what human reactions
are to different types of musical
selections.
Teachers College of Columbia
University is directing study
of music in two third-grade
classes in New York schools. In
one school, music is played daily,
in the other not. The study is
to learn the exact effect of music
and musical activities upon nor
NAL children. Are the music
exposed and music trained chill
dren better adjusted, less delin-
Quent than those who, are not?
Until these and other questions
are answered. the foundation
feels it is premature to try to use
music as medical treatment, Miss
Paperte said. But the goal is
someday to use music to help.
through rhythm. to retain muscles
of crippled children and adults.
and to help lead human minds
out of the confusion of mental
and emotional sickness.