While I appreciated Don Heckman's sensitive portrait of Tom Harrell, who is indeed an inspirational musician and person, I take exception to one point ("Playing With the Mind," July 28).
In my experience as a registered, board-certified music therapist, schizophrenia can be an obstacle to many aspects of a person's functioning, but not necessarily to "creative pursuits," as Heckman suggested. On the contrary, the lack of defenses or censors associated with this illness can enable easier access to the creative source.
