Music therapy continues to gain recognition as a vital, evidence-based approach for supporting people with neurological conditions - especially Parkinson’s disease, where rhythm, engagement, and expression can significantly impact quality of life.

In this episode of The Parkinson’s Podcast, Hadley Rentz, MT‑BC - one of our MusicWorx therapists - shares clinically relevant insights on how music therapy can support people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

Watch the full episode below:

Why This Matters for Therapists

As music therapists, understanding how to translate research, clinical experience, and structured interventions into real-world applications is essential. In this episode, Hadley discusses:

• Physical Symptom Management: Music is used to train movement and counteract symptoms like shuffling. By using marching music, therapists can help patients pick up their feet and maintain a rhythm to avoid tripping accidents.

• Vocal and Swallowing Support: Singing exercises directly combat Parkinson's-related changes in speech, such as a weakening volume, monotone voice, and swallowing difficulties. These exercises help maintain vocal range, articulation, and breath support.

• Emotional and Social Benefits: Beyond physical improvements, music therapy provides crucial emotional support to manage anxiety or depression and creates a social camaraderie through group activities.

Explore the Parkinson’s Music Therapy Toolbox

To help you take these ideas from theory to practice, we’ve developed the AudAbility Toolbox Series - a structured set of activities, intervention strategies, and therapeutic frameworks designed for clinicians, their clients, and the care partners that aid them. It’s your go‑to resource for applying these techniques confidently in your work.