Even background music can affect listeners.

We breathed a sigh of relief when we read Ms. Cameron's Jetter to the editor (October 1992 AJOT, p. 955) responding to the article "Should Music Be Used Therapeutically in Occupational Therapy'" (March 1992 AJOT, pp. 275-277). A number of us (music therapists) who work side by side with occupational therapists were concerned regarding the general direction of the original article, which indicated that a person not trained in music therapy is qualified to use the medium therapeutically. I would caution those who believe music is a medium that can be used in the background without affecting listeners. Music can have strong effects that mayor may not facilitate occupational therapy. For example, music with a strong rhythm can work against a desired pattern or rate of movement. Music that the client responds to with emotion can have an effect on concentration and memory. There is a reason a four-year degree is a minimum requirement to sit for the music therapy board certification exam. Roberta Wigle Justice, RMT·BC Dundee, MI