Music is recognized for its healing potential besides its aesthetic and emotional value. The vibrations from sound frequencies, though intangible, influence perception, stress, and emotions. Therapeutic music facilitates relaxation and present-moment focus, suggesting a profound interconnection between sound frequencies and mental, physical, and spiritual health. Historically, perspectives on sound frequency aesthetics have varied. Composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Handel preferred a tuning fork (A) of 421.6 Hz, whereas Verdi contended that 432 Hz was superior because this frequency was considered by most Cymatics scientists as being the most harmonious in terms of the patterns generated. However, global standardization led to the adoption of 440 Hz by the British Standards Institution and the International Organization for Standardization as the global standard pitch. This case study examined 30 preschoolers (mean age: 6.3 years) from Hsinchu, Taiwan. We analyzed pre- and post-experimental tests over twelve 20-minute sessions of drawing activities conducted under piano music set to 432 Hz and 440Hz, and monitored their physiological responses—blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing frequency—via wrist-worn oximeters. The results indicated that 432 Hz music was superior for maintaining stable blood pressure and heart rates in children, and led to smoother lines and color tones in their drawings, as well as calmer experiences during the drawing process. Selecting appropriate frequency music for children’s drawing classes could be beneficial. The present findings may serve as a reference for further exploration of the use of music for emotional soothing and heart rate variability in home care settings.

Authors:
Hsu Hui-Chun, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Hsu Hui-Chun is a School Teacher/Instructor at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan

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