Listening to music may stimulate the patient to talk about his condition or about things that trouble him. Altshuler[3] feels that where large groups of patients must be treated with limited personnel, such as exists in hospitals which handle cases of war neuroses, group treatment is the only solution, and that when there is group psychotherapy music is indispensable, for it not only can “turn any aggregation of people into an ‘organic’ group. It is one of the mightiest socializing agents.”
Harrington[43] believes that music has an important place in the mental hospital although he regards technical instruction for heterogeneous groups unworthy of the effort. He is convinced that, “Mass singing has therapeutic value, and that subdued instrumental music during mealtimes is desirable.”
According to Kraines[54]
“Recreation and hobbies are also extremely important energy release techniques. The apparently passive listening to music may accomplish release of energy. The passivity is only seeming. The person following the music tends by identification to swing muscularly with the music, nodding his head, tapping his feet; and even when there is no manifest movement, there is often a non-observable but yet definite movement. In many forms of music such rhythmic movements can be performed only by relaxed muscles; and tense persons who are influenced by harmonious music are perforce relaxed. Some sanatariums very effectively utilize dancing to music as a means of relaxing patients. Moreover in this general relaxation and harmonious appeal to the senses, the person “feels” that peace and harmony do exist outside himself and will continue to exist despite his own troubles; and by such general “feeling tone”, the person puts aside his conflicts for the while. On the other hand some types of music will stimulate persons into increased activity (e.g. martial music, dance music) by reason of the tendency to make rapid and staccato rhythmic movement in time with the music. The rhythmic muscle movement can, under the influence of a skillful composer, increase to such a pitch as to make the person excited, exhilarated, etc. Outlets for energy release should be selected which will give enjoyment to the patient.”
In chronic mental institutions the patient band has been found most valuable. Pierce[66] believes that
“Music can be a co-operative effort for a wholesome discipline. It tends to break down the sense of isolation so common to mental disease. It assists in adaptation to the mental state.
“First, playing must be made a pleasure to the members. This means there must be no severity of discipline and great tact must be exercised in correcting errors—preferably privately so as not to be humiliating to the patient.
“Second, have some easy numbers: otherwise the results may discourage the patients.
“Public appearances away from the hospital have the advantages of enhancing self respect and pride.
“Admit a small number of hospital personnel to the band—but not those of great ability. The more varied the instrumentation, the more gratifying the result to the participants.”