E-Book of Articles - World Federation of Music Therapy

Natalia, Johanna: Te Influence of Soft Music on Newborns ...
physical growth is shown by an increase of weight ((Mazie, 1992). There is
no significant difference between newborns with music and no music in
weight. It is possible that weight changes could be seen during a longer
period, whereas this research is only during a short period.
Crying pattern
The principle form of negative verbal communication between the
baby and others is through crying (Hurlock, 1988). When they wet the bed,
they cry; to call their mother because they need something, they cry.
This research supports that theory. There is a significant difference
between babies with music and no music (t = 1.936, p = 0.028, one tail).
Newborns given no music cry more than those who hear continuous, soft
music.
Thus the research supports the idea that newborns gain some comfort
from listening to music.
Sleep pattern
A baby will sleep more soundly if he feels comfortable (Gunarsa &
Gunarsa, 1989). Results show that there is no significant difference in sleep
patterns between newborns with soft music and no music. Though the lack
of difference does not support the hypothesis about the usefulness of soft
music, note that it is possible for the babies to be perfectly calm, or
calmer, and not actually sleep. Thus the result does not invalidate the
hypothesis either.
Calm emotion in general
In general, it could be said that soft music tends to affect the
emotions of newborns who are in an adaptation period. The degree of
calmness of newborns with soft music tends to be higher than those with no
music.
In fact, statistical analysis shows that there is a positive influence of
soft music on an indicator related to emotions (crying pattern). Moreover,
from qualitative analysis based on subjective impressions of their mothers,
130