Study to develop 'musical prescriptions' for patients

**Maggy** · 09-09-2010, 08:02

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-west-11233452

Quote:

Patients could be prescribed music tailored to their needs as a result of new research.
Scientists at Glasgow Caledonian University are using a mixture of psychology and audio engineering to see how music can prompt certain responses.
They will analyse a composition's lyrics, tone or even the thoughts associated with it.
Those behind the study say it could be used to help those suffering physical pain or conditions like depression.

Sounds like an interesting development.

However I hope they have thought about the impact certain music played back to CS customers over the phone has on the recipient and that it means we might get better musak provided in public areas.

**Maggy** · 09-09-2010, 18:28

I've been thinking about this.I love classical music as well as rock.But do younger people find classical music interesting or even want to listen to it?Is it also a matter of culture?

Uncle Peter · 09-09-2010, 18:39

The scientists will no doubt also note that techno, trance and certain other types of electronic music are believed to stimulate the alpha wave band of the brain which is associated with a dream state or the point at which you drift into sleep. Sounding a bass note, arpeggio or hi-hat on the 16th note divisions at these tempos (say around 130-150BPM) will be within the brain's alpha band (8-12Hz).

Caff · 09-09-2010, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Peter

The scientists will no doubt also note that techno, trance and certain other types of electronic music are believed to stimulate the alpha wave band of the brain which is associated with a dream state or the point at which you drift into sleep. Sounding a bass note, arpeggio or hi-hat on the 16th note divisions at these tempos (say around 130-150BPM) will be within the brain's alpha band (8-12Hz).

Huh?
If it feels good it can't be that wrong?

Uncle Peter · 10-09-2010, 01:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caff

Huh?
If it feels good it can't be that wrong?

Depends who's doing it

the likes of System 7, Orbital and Speedy J (Jochem Paap) are great exponents of the more scientific side of this type of music.

It'll be interesting to see what this study unearths as the scientists are also looking at the lyrical content of music. I wonder if those of us who don't really pay a great deal of attention to lyrics (myself included) subliminally absorb the message behind a song, if there is one. On that note I guess we can exclude the likes of Duran Duran whos lyrical content is an absolute nonsense

I'm sure they'll discover that each of us will react differently to the various musical components: moods, timbres, grooves or whatever and that there's no set formula. Joe Bloggs may react well to listening to 6 hours of Brian Eno's droning noises for example but it would just make me really hacked off, I'd rather listen to the Goombay Dance Band!

Caff · 11-09-2010, 02:32

Can't disagree with the 'not hearing the words...'
Opera - I understand a little Italian and even less German - but it can hit the spot.
Hmmm - passion and harmonies for me I think
and if you're going to go all tech musical then I'll add 'silences' and pure vibration to the ears, head, mind and body which I guess is plain what music is
Oh! and dynamics and tempo
(Tiddle, have taught this stuff but seem to have forgotten it - oh and pitch

you know what I mean I'm sure

)

And I have finally

come to a conclusion... 'resonation'.

**Maggy** · 11-09-2010, 11:36

So you two think this could be the basis of a good study with some positive results?

Taf · 11-09-2010, 11:54

"Go compare! Go compare! ....."

Yup, my reaction was to switch off and leave the room..... it must be good this psychology stuff...

danielf · 11-09-2010, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Peter

<snip> I'd rather listen to the Goombay Dance Band!

There will be no mention of The Goombay Dance Band or The Sun of Jamaica! Ever!

**Maggy** · 11-09-2010, 12:00

Well yes repetition can be annoying but it's also very useful I should imagine.

Frankly I'd rather listen to that than that annoying car song,'we buy any car'..

But then I like opera..

---------- Post added at 12:00 ---------- Previous post was at 11:58 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

There will be no mention of The Goombay Dance Band or The Sun of Jamaica! Ever!

Behave! That's no way to discuss a serious scientific study..

danielf · 11-09-2010, 12:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggy J

Behave! That's no way to discuss a serious scientific study..

Frankly, I have my doubts about the seriousness of the study. But, they managed to get the funding for it, so good on them.

Caff · 12-09-2010, 02:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggy J

So you two think this could be the basis of a good study with some positive results?

I'd be willing to test it out, especially if I received a fee... or not

If I were a patient, say, having an MRI then I'd choose my own music.
Same goes for CS but I just don't get an option for that on my phone

speedfreak · 12-09-2010, 02:24

You dont need any music in an MRI, its the most relaxing thing ever, I didnt want to come out. Quite impressed with Vm how they let you pick the style of hold music

I can see how it could help depression, certain music gets me in an upbeat mood after a bad day at work

Caff · 12-09-2010, 02:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedfreak

You dont need any music in an MRI, its the most relaxing thing ever, I didnt want to come out. Quite impressed with Vm how they let you pick the style of hold music

I can see how it could help depression, certain music gets me in an upbeat mood after a bad day at work

I'm glad you found the experiece like that.