Music -- Physiological effect; Music, Influence of
A schedule of performances arranged for at least one month in advance
is most important. There should be a regularity to performances even
if they occur only once a month. It will give patients something to
which they may look forward with the pleasure of anticipation. Whenever
possible, musical programs should be prepared for the same weekday or
night. These appearances should be announced or posted to increase the
interest.
In hospitals for the chronically ill there is usually an assembly
hall or recreational building, where entertainment may be given for
ambulatory patients. The appearance of famous musicians on its stage
will be rare or impossible, especially in hospitals not located near
large cities. This is not as unfortunate as might be believed, because
although some patients are impressed with names of national reputation,
maximum enjoyment will result for the majority from listening to their
fellow patients performing. Patient participation is always more
desirable for the ambulatory than passive entertainment. Patient music
may take one of three forms--formal, amateur, or spontaneous.
Formal presentations require much work on the part of the musical
aide and the patients. Orchestras of variable size may be formed,
depending upon the number and variety of talented patients. Inasmuch
as quality of performance is the prime consideration, the repertoire
of such groups will not be great. At the outset it will take almost a
month to develop a one hour variety program. With the progress of time
and increased work and co-operation it should be possible to rehearse
enough new numbers each week to produce a weekly program with too few
repetitions to arouse complaints on the part of the patients. The
program should contain all types of music so that during the course of
a performance almost everyone in the audience will have heard something
to his taste. Vocal numbers are welcome and audience participation at
one or two points will sustain interest. It is advisable for some one
to act as master of ceremonies to announce selections and to evoke
maximum response from the non-participating patients. There is usually
one patient with a desire to be a master of ceremonies and, if he
executes his work well, this will be a valuable asset to the project. A
master of ceremonies is important and if necessary an outsider should
be secured for this purpose.
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