Daily reports describe the struggle to improve our nation’s health care while controlling its cost. Among the trillions to be spent, surely there is room for a cost-effective form of alternative medicine that has been scientifically established to aid patients’ physical as well as mental health.
Now is the time to expand the music therapy program at MSU, not curtail it.
In the past, osteopathy, chiropractic and many other medical innovations were sometimes overlooked in favor of more invasive or less effective medical interventions.
Hugely expensive hardware and drugs with dangerous side effects are indeed necessary.
Yet, music therapy is a type of program that the people’s university and regional health care system ought to expand — especially since MSU is the flagship academic home of this discipline. Experts, such as professors Frederick Tims and Roger Smeltekop of the College of Music, can supply the evidence.
Faith-based initiatives, too, may have a place here. One of the largest church communities in our region currently is debating how to invest in a comprehensive music ministry.
The merged St. John Student Parish and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing has an opportunity for additional excellence that could complement the university community by delivering help to those with special needs.
Conrad L. Donakowski
professor emeritus, MSU College of Music
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
