The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a group music program on depression in the institutionalized elderly. Research subjects were collected from the two elderly institutions in Seoul. Inclusion criteria were (a) age 65 and older (b) have lived more than 6 months in an institution (c) absence of hearing defect (d) score of 18 and more in MMSE-K and (e) female because depression is more prevalent in women(Blazer, 1989). The study design was nonequivalent control group pre & posttest. Data were collected over 6 weeks. The music program was developed by the researcher. The experimental group was exposed to the music program twice a week for 3 weeks. Depression was measured by a standardized Geriatric Depression Scale of Jung( 1997) which was made by Yesavage in 1983. Data were analyzed with a Mann whitney test, Wilcoxon sign rank test using SPSS/PC. The results of the study are as follows: 1. Compared to the control group, the depression of the experimental group was significantly reduced(Z=-2.118, p= .034). The mean score of the depression was decreased after 1 week of the treatment, but significant differences were not found(Z=-1.701, p= .089). 2. In a more depressed group, the mean score of depression was significantly decreased compared to the control group(Z=-2.007, p=. 045), and significant differences were found after I week of the treatment(Z=-2.140 p=.032). 3. A group music program was effective on 3 major factors of depression: psychological aspects(increased happiness, increased pleasure, increased self-esteem), behavioral aspects (increased activation) and cognitive aspects (decreased negativism). In conclusion, it was found that systematic group music program composed of singing and playing instruments was effective after 3 times exposure on depression in the institutionalized elderly, who are withdrawn, isolated and have decreased activity.