The effects of music on attention to task

This study examined the effects of the music on immediate improvements to on–task performance in children with attention difficulties. Specific modulated music designed by Therapeutic Listening was used as the intervention on three children ages 5-10. An ABAB design was used to complete this study which included 4 fifteen minute sessions, one week apart. The children completed a homework assignment while listening and not listening to the modulated music through open ear headphones. The findings show that two out of three children demonstrated a distinct difference in attention to task with the music intervention. This study provides evidence based research for the use of music to improve attention to task in the practice of Occupational Therapy.