Parkinson's Clinic
We believe that music can serve as a valuable health resource for people affected by Parkinson's Disease. We want to assist you in connecting, learning, and engaging with music as a health resource. Please explore the information on this page and reach out with any questions or thoughts.
UofL MTC
502-852-2122
uoflmtc@louisville.edu
This resource hub was made possible through a donation to the UofL Music Therapy Clinic (MTC).
Participate in Research
Currently recruiting: Parkinson's and Physical Activity Study. Read more: HERE or contact
859-218-5429 | ukexercisestudy@gmail.com
Work with a Music Therapist
Music therapy is an evidence-based healthcare field specializing in using music to promote health. Board-Certified Music Therapies (MT-BC) work with families and individuals to identify health goals and design music-based strategies to aid in reaching them. UofL is one of the leading music therapy undergraduate programs in the Southeast with home to an in-house clinic providing services throughout the Louisville community. Through the MTC you and your loved ones can work with PhD level therapists, master level therapists, and or interns/students depending on your goals and needs. View the infographic to the right to learn more and contact us for a consultation (info above).
Music therapy programs provided through the Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center:
Neuro Choir
Online Fridays 2 to 3pm
Singing prompts neurotransmitters to connect in new and different ways and can improve speech, memory and mood.
To register, call (502) 559-3230 or email nniregistration@nortonhealthcare.org
Music & Wellness
Online Fourth Tuesday of Every Month, 6 to 7pm
Music therapy goals include: maintaining or improving breath support, alleviating stress, improving mood and aiding memory recall. No musical training or experience is required to benefit from music therapy.
To register, call (502) 559-3230 or email nniregistration@nortonhealthcare.org
Music Therapy and Parkinson’s Disease
Wednesdays at 4pm
Class size is limited to 10 participants
To register call Andrea Lanham (502) 559-3233 or email PDRegistration@Nortonhealthcare.org
Accessing Music
Spotify: This is an internet-based free streaming app similar to Apple Music. It is different than Pandora as it allows you to listen to any song you would like and make playlists in addition to artist and genre-driven radio stations. Paying a bit per month for a premium account allows you to download music and listen when not connected to the internet and removes ads.
- Try using Spotify (or another application such as Apple Music or Youtube) to create playlists for relaxation, exercise, singing along, and more.
- Try searching for playlists already made or create your own. You can search for artists, genres, specific tempos, purposes (i.e. workout), and much much more.
Sort Your Music w/Spotify: Sort your Spotify playlists by any of a wide range of musical attributes such as tempo, loudness, valence, energy, danceability, popularity, and more.
- Try using this to match and create your preferred playlists to the tempo and speed of your exercises.
Learning Music
Adaptive lessons through the MTC: Below are several options to engage in learning and creating music. If you feel like you may need a different level of support than traditional lessons or self-driven learning may allow for, the music therapists at the MTC are happy to help. We are proficient in a variety of instruments with training specific to helping people of all abilities successfully engage with music-making both individually (i.e. guitar lessons) and in groups (i.e. a choir).
The Lousiville Folk School: mission is to engage the folk music traditions of Kentuckians through education and performance, build on the rich cultural history of the bluegrass state while creating community through the arts.
- Try enrolling in lessons or a group class.
- Offerings include singing, banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, African drumming, and more.
Harmonica: A Breath of Fresh Air: This publication from MusicWorx Inc. includes twelve weeks of guided harmonica practice and play for People with Parkinson’s disease and their Care Partners. Written by a board-certified music therapist and neurologic music therapist, this book is designed for non-musicians and musicians alike to ignite the love of music, inspire you to learn a new instrument, and address common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Grab a harmonica and a friend, pull up a chair, and let’s make some music!
Local Resources
Dragonfly Wellness: Designs wellness retreats for individuals and families living with neurological disorders.
MP3 Workshop Specific Resources
Harmonica practice and play:
Find your pitch range using google chrome music lab piano
Rewatch the MP3 sessions & view the breathing exercises here