Research

Does music speed healing? How can we ensure that a pianist’s hands stay healthy? What is the impact of music on a surgeon’s performance in the operating room?

There are many unanswered questions on the interconnections between the arts and medicine. As one of the nation’s premier research universities, and as home to the nation’s premier music school, the University of Rochester is perfectly positioned to answer these questions—and to carry both performing arts and medicine to higher heights.

Current Projects

Music Therapy for Women Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

  • O.J. Sahler, M.D.
  • Marilyn N. Ling, M.D.
     

The Effect of Music Training on Concert Experiences for Hearing Impaired Persons

  • O.J. Sahler, M.D.
  • Gaelen McCormick, MM
  • Katherine Ciesinski, MS
     

Subjective and Objective Measures of Brass Playing Using EMG 

  • Jacob Earnhardt (ESM, URMC)
  • Alden H. Snell, P.hD
  • David J. Mitten, M.D.
     

Interactive Group Drumming and "Chemo Brain" 

  • Gaelen McCormick, MM
  • Dana Osterling, MBA, MT-BC
  • Leigh Kirby, MS, MT-BC
     

Targeting Autonomic Flexibility to Enhance Cognitive Training Outcomes in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

  • Elinor Freer, DMA
  • Kathi Heffner, Ph.D.
     

The Effects of Live Lullaby Music on Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Low Birth Weight Infants on Mechanical Ventilation

  • Elaine Kong, MM, MT-BC
  • Colby L. Richardson, M.D.
  • Amy Robertson, P.hD, MT-BC – University of Missouri – Kansas City
  • Dana Osterling, MBA, MT-BC

Past Publications & Projects

Indicators of Self-Determination in Therapeutic Songwriting Lyrics Created by Adults with High LDL Cholesterol

  • Philip Silvey, DMA
  • Robert C. Block, M.D., MPH
  • Dr. Scott McIntosh 
     

Hearing Loss – Prevention and Measurement in Music Students

  • Mara E. Culp, Ph.D.
  • Glenn T. Schneider, M.D., MS
  • Liane C. Grasso, MS, CCC-SLP
     

Music Therapy as an Adjunctive Treatment in The Management of Stress for Patients Being Weaned from Mechanical Ventilation

  • O.J. Sahler, M.D.
  • Rosemary Obi, MS, LCAT, MT-BC
  • Bryan C. Hunter, Ph.D. (Nazareth)
     

Labile Hypertension – White Coat Syndrome and Music Improvisation

  • Christopher Z. Azzara, Ph.D.
  • John D. Bisognano, M.D., Ph.D.

Other Collaborations

CBT for Depression and Anxiety using AR/VR

  • Matthew Brown, Ph.D.
  • Michael J. Hasselberg, Ph.D., RN, PMHNP-BC
  • Wendi F. Cross, Ph.D.
  • Jiebo Luo, Ph.D.
  • David J. Mitten, M.D.
     

Internships for Eastman students with Sue Callan Harris, Physical Therapist

  • Sue Callan Harris PT, MS, CLT (UHS)
     

Return to Play Guidelines

  • Ralph Manchester, M.D.
  • Gaelen McCormick, MM
     

Embouchure Dystonia in Music Education students

  • Mara E. Culp, Ph.D.
  • Glenn T. Schneider, M.D., MS
  • Liane C. Grasso, MS, CCC-SLP
     

Auditory Perception in Autism – Speech v. Music

  • Anne E. Luebke, Ph.D.
  • Loisa Bennetto, Ph.D.
     

Speech in Noise – Does Musical Training Aid the Brain in Better Functioning with This Problem?

  • Elizabeth W. Marvin, Ph.D.
  • Anne E. Luebke, Ph.D.
  • Ross K. Maddox, Ph.D.
  • Dr. Andrew Oxenham (UMN Twin Cities) 
     

Development of Hearing Health Models in Performing Arts Institutions

  • Brendan P. Fitzgerald, AuD
  • Gaelen McCormick, MM