I know someone who's daughter has a degree in Music Therapy. Apparently there's a real demand for this expertise since she got a number of lucrative job offers when she graduated. I believe that there are a lot of variables to consider in giving mp3 players to "patients." There is a very wide spectrum of Alzheimers symptoms which we see when we go to play. Thankfully, there are always caregivers present or we would not be able to perform. One size does not fit all. I think that it would be great if docs/techs skilled in music therapy could visit the various facilities and diagnose those who would benefit from having an mp3 player. One factor is the patient to caregiver ratio. There is a high turnover of caregivers since it's a difficult and challenging job. The patients with mp3 players would require closer supervision and monitoring. Even with lower ratios, the places here cost over $5K a month per patient. Obviously they are happy to have us there playing for free.

Stan

Cornet Curmudgeon