Did The Rockefeller Foundation Influence The Standardisation of Musical Pitch to A=440 Hz?

The standardisation of musical pitch to 440 Hz in 1936 has been a subject of considerable debate, with some theories suggesting that the Rockefeller Foundation played a pivotal role.

Historically, there was no universal pitch standard. The French standard since the 1860s was 435 Hz. In 1936, the American Standards Association recommended tuning the A above middle C to 440 Hz, a move that was later endorsed internationally in 1955 by the International Organization for Standardization as ISO 16. ​

Some narratives propose that the Rockefeller Foundation influenced this shift not merely for standardisation but as a means of control, allegedly affecting public consciousness through a frequency that induces stress and discord. However, it's important to note that these claims lack concrete evidence and remain speculative.

Mainstream debunking - A red flag
Mainstream media outlets have attempted to debunk such theories. Given that media organisations have been known to disseminate misinformation, it's prudent to approach their narratives with a critical eye.​

The Rockefeller family's influence extends beyond musical standardisation. John D. Rockefeller, a prominent oil magnate, significantly impacted the medical industry. In the early 20th century, the Rockefeller Foundation funded medical schools under the condition that they adopt allopathic (pharmaceutical-based) medicine, leading to the marginalisation of holistic and natural treatments. This strategic move aligned with Rockefeller's business interests in the chemical industry, which provided the raw materials for many pharmaceuticals. By promoting a pharmaceutical-centred approach, Rockefeller helped create a market for chemical-based treatments, establishing a system where drugs became the primary method of addressing health issues.

Furthermore, the Rockefeller Foundation has been implicated in funding various global initiatives. While some view these actions as philanthropic, others argue that they were designed to establish control over global systems, including healthcare and agriculture. For instance, the foundation's involvement in the Green Revolution introduced high-yield crops but also promoted dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, benefiting chemical companies linked to Rockefeller interests.

One study shared in Science Direct suggests that 432 Hz music may have a more relaxing effect than 440 Hz music, with participants experiencing a significant reduction in heart rate and slight decreases in respiratory rate and blood pressure. However, while it highlights potential benefits of 432 Hz, it does not provide conclusive evidence that 440 Hz is harmful. The study recommends further research with larger sample sizes. You can read the full details here.

Avoiding suspicion
But, perhaps only mild differences in effect were the chief goal - after all, if the changes were drastically different, then it would have become significantly more obvious to those studying those effects that something was wrong, raising suspicion.

Smoking gun: The Rockefeller-Rothschild Alliance and A=440Hz: Military and Commercial Motives Behind Musical Frequency Studies
The Rothschild-Rockefeller partnership funded scientific research on musical frequencies conducive to war-making between World Wars I and II (Baker, 2015; Sutton, 2002). This alliance was represented by organizations such as the Rockefeller Foundation and the U.S. Navy (Dye, 1986; Quigley, 1966). The primary objective of these studies was to identify specific musical factors that could induce Nesrin DUMAN 166 psychopathology, emotional distress, and even provoke "mass hysteria" (Schaeffner, 2013; Summers, 2014).

Source: Online Journal of Music Science / Dergipark.org.tr

The History of Tuning Standards: How 440 Hz Became the Standard

The 440 Hz frequency was established as a global standard relatively recently, though its origins trace back to the 18th century when musicians used tuning forks to set pitch. Historically, different orchestras and countries experimented with various tunings for A4, ranging anywhere from 420 Hz to 450 Hz.

By the 19th century, a growing push for standardisation emerged. France adopted 435 Hz as its official pitch in 1859, known as the Diapason Normal, and this remained widely used in Europe for decades. However, as orchestras and manufacturers of musical instruments sought consistency, discussions around a universal tuning standard intensified.

After years of debate, an international conference in London in 1939 recognised 440 Hz as the preferred pitch. This decision was further cemented in 1955 when the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) officially designated A4 = 440 Hz as the global tuning reference for musical instruments. The standard was reaffirmed in ISO 16 (1975), ensuring its widespread adoption in music production and broadcasting worldwide.

Source: National Library of Medicine

The Rise of 432 Hz

Known as “Verdi’s A,” the 432 Hz frequency has been referenced in historical documents long before the 20th century. Ancient thinkers such as Pythagoras advocated for the “harmony of numbers,” suggesting that 432 Hz aligns with natural vibrations in the universe. It is believed by some that this frequency was used by ancient Egyptian and Tibetan musicians and that it harmonises with natural rhythms, potentially promoting emotional and spiritual healing (Source: Insert reference here if applicable).

Scientific Facts

Contrary to the myths surrounding it, the scientific facts about 432 Hz are more measured. Research indicates that frequency perception is highly subjective and varies according to individual preference. While studies suggest that 432 Hz, like other frequencies, does not possess mystical or supernatural properties, it has been noted that 432 Hz may sound softer and deeper compared to the more common 440 Hz. Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence linking 432 Hz with the Schumann resonance or any inherent "natural" alignment (Source: Insert reference here if applicable).

Additionally, a second study published in the National Library of Medicine, suggested that improvements in sleep were seen in patients with spinal injuries, aided further by the type of music they listened to.

The Role of Perception

Regardless of the frequency used, perception is largely dependent on individual listener preference. Some people find 432 Hz to sound warmer and softer, while others perceive 440 Hz as brighter and crisper. The choice of frequency may ultimately depend on the musician’s intended mood or purpose for the piece.

In Conclusion

There is a vast amount of information supporting the numerous benefits of 432 Hz, particularly within the context of solfeggio frequencies, of which 432 Hz is a key example. These frequencies are believed to resonate with natural rhythms and may have profound effects on human well-being, from emotional balance to healing. However, we must remain cautious of attempts to downplay or obscure the effects of 440 Hz, as well as the power of solfeggio frequencies. Mainstream narratives, often shaped by powerful interests, have historically sought to debunk these effects, dismissing the potential of natural sound frequencies.

While the direct involvement of the Rockefeller Foundation in the standardisation of A=440 Hz has been downplayed, the family's broader influence on global systems—spanning music, medicine and psychology, and media—is well-documented.

Given the historical pattern of misinformation and monopolistic control exerted by such influential entities, it is crucial to approach mainstream narratives with a critical perspective, especially when considering the potential hidden benefits of frequencies like 432 Hz.

Search out music recorded at 432 Hz, listen and decide for yourself.