Training

At present, no accredited school of music or medicine offers a compete course of instruction leading to a degree in music in medical practice, or a major in that subject. It is believed that eventually the demand may bring about the establishment of such a course in a musical college, where it belongs. It will be necessary for the school of music to secure liaison with a medical college or school of occupational therapy and this will limit instruction to those cities where grade A institutions of both kinds are to be found. There are at least ten cities scattered throughout the United States in which this happy combination may be found, but there is hardly need for more than six.

Applicants should be interviewed by a representative of both the medical and music schools. A projected curriculum is suggested as follows:

First Year
Piano8 Credits
Solfège5 Credits
Counterpoint2 Credits
Harmony2 Credits
English6 Credits
History of Medicine1 Credit
Second Year
Piano4 Credits
Solfège2 Credits
Harmony2 Credits
Counterpoint2 Credits
History of Music4 Credits
Nursing anatomy6 Credits
Third Year
Violin4 Credits
Harmony4 Credits
Musical Form4 Credits
Physics6 Credits
Physiology2 Credits
Kinesiology2 Credits
Psychology4 Credits
Conducting2 Credits
Piano Sight Playing4 Credits
Ensemble2 Credits
Fourth Year
Violin4 Credits
Choral Class0 Credits
Conducting2 Credits
Contemporary Music4 Credits
Occupational Therapy4 Credits
Music in Medicine6 Credits
Abnormal Psychology6 Credits
Orchestra Reading2 Credits

A brief explanation of courses not normally found at music schools and which should be given at medical or professional schools follows.

Anatomy for Nurses. This should consist of a brief survey of the anatomy of the human body with especial reference to the muscles, nerves, brain, and a casual introduction to the internal organs.

History of Medicine. This would be an orientation course on the development of medicine and hospitals.

Physiology. Especial attention should be drawn to the physiology of the nervous system and the muscles.

Psychology. Normal psychology, including laboratory experimentation in the psychology of music, would be the basis of this course.

Kinesiology. The standard course as taught in schools of physical and occupational therapy, and physical education, would be sufficient.

Occupational Therapy. An introduction into craft analysis and psychiatric occupational therapy is necessary.

Abnormal Psychology. An introduction to psychiatry is sufficient.

Music in Medicine. A course of lectures, including the subjects discussed in this volume, should be offered.

In the summer between the third and fourth years, the student should be affiliated with a hospital with a music program to work under the hospital staff.

These are suggestions only, and each school in consultation with an approved medical college will want to work out its own schedule. It is hoped that the above outline will be of definite assistance.