The Healing Arts At Work

Hyperscore Project at Tewksbury Hospital

The following video clip documents the Hyperscore Project at Tewksbury Hospital. This project empowers patients to compose their own musical scores by using software developed by Tod Machover and students at the MIT Media Lab.

As shown in the video streaming, the results of the Hyperscore project were astounding. Severely disabled patients were able to compose powerful and convincing music, while at the same time showing dramatic personal improvements in a range of areas, including; improved social interactions and focus on tasks; reduced incidences of self-abusive behavior and auditory hallucinations; and more. One patient remarked, "Hyperscore made me feel as though I was doing something productive."

At the 150th anniversary celebration of Tewksbury Hospital, the Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra performed four pieces composed by patients.

"The public concert of four compositions created during the Tewksbury workshops was a remarkable success," said Tod Machover, Director of MIT Media Lab.

"The pieces were beautiful, attractive and moving by any standard, but were especially moving since few people had thought these patients capable of any sustained activity, let alone of this emotional and intellectual level."

Tewksbury Hospital patients continue to work with the Hyperscore program.