Conducting Parkinson's Conversations

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with Matt Scheeser, a lifelong musician who studied voice as an undergraduate and choral conducting in graduate school. Matt spent a decade working as an organist and choir director in Catholic churches. Now 48, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago, and the disease has presented some very particular challenge...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with Morgan Daniel, a guitarist, singer, and longtime performing musician who has been making music on California’s Mendocino Coast for decades. Morgan’s connection to the guitar goes beyond performing—he has also spent years building and repairing stringed instruments. Morgan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s ten years ag...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations,Thomas Verrier speaks with Jill Pfluke, a longtime violinist and educator whose love of music has remained constant throughout her life. Jill has performed at venues including Ruth Eckerd Hall and at Tampa’s International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony, and she has spent many years working in special education, including teaching students...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier talks with Paolo Tatafiore. Paolo is an Italian-born piano virtuoso, composer, and teacher who began his musical training in his native Naples. During his successful career, He performed throughout Europe and the United States as a soloist and chamber musician. In 2020, Paolo began experiencing a tremor and loss of control in...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with Alistair Scott, a gentleman whose story is an inspirational reminder that it’s never too late to learn something completely new. With no prior training, he took up the clarinet in his early seventies. Three years ago, Alistair was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Still, he has carried on learning and playing, not only b...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations,Thomas Verrier speaks with Alan “Otto” Compton. Alan, a percussionist, grew up playing in marching band, studied music in college, and was a member of Star of Indiana when the drum and bugle corps won a world championship in 1991. He later spent years performing with the groundbreaking stage production  Blast! . That career took him overseas...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier’s guest is Bob Regan. Bob began his career as a recording artist and session guitarist—eventually performing as a guitarist on the Grand Ole Opry. Songwriting brought him some of his greatest recognition. Since coming to Nashville, Bob has had more than 200 songs recorded, including hits for Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Reba...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with his longtime friend and fellow conductor, Robert Dunham. In the early 1990s, they both taught instrumental music in the same Southern California school district before moving on to higher education. Robert inspired generations of students through his work as a professor and band conductor at both California State U...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier’s guest is Samuel Smith. Samuel is a London-based singer-songwriter whose thoughtful lyrics, rich vocals, and Americana-inspired sound have earned acclaim in both the UK and the United States. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, Samuel embraced innovative AI tools—not to write his songs, but to help bring h...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier talks with Rich Gootee. Rich is a Nashville singer, guitarist, and award-winning songwriter whose career has spanned decades. He is recognized for writing contemporary Christian music, including Petra’s hit “Just Reach Out.” More recently, Rich co-wrote the Parkinson’s anthem “You Are Not Alone,” which received international r...

This episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations is Part 2 of Thomas Verrier’s two-part conversation with Dr. Alfonso Fasano, an internationally recognized neurologist and movement disorders specialist who is also an accomplished jazz pianist. In Part 2, Dr. Fasano shares his perspectives on musicianship and creativity and provides insight into Thomas’ personal experiences--both the negative e...

This episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversation is Part 1 of Thomas Verrier’s two-part conversation with Dr. Alfonso Fasano, an internationally recognized neurologist and movement disorders specialist who is also an accomplished jazz pianist. A specialist in deep brain stimulation, Dr. Fasano is Professor of Neurology at the University of Toronto and Co-director of the Surgical Program for Mov...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier visits with Dr. Dawn Rose. Dr. Rose is a prominent music psychologist and senior researcher whose pioneering work explores how rhythm and music can be used to manage movement and improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. As a co-founder of the innovative Playlist for Parkinson’s initiative, s...

In this episode, Thomas Verrier speaks with Kelly Corcoran. Kelly is a professional conductor who, among her many accolades, was the associate conductor of the Nashville Symphony for nine seasons. Kelly also holds a master's degree in public health and today serves as a social scientist at Vanderbilt University's Music Cognition Lab. Her work in the lab draws on both her conducting career and her...

In the latest installment of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier visits with his longtime colleague from the Blair School of Music, Gilbert Long. Gil is a world-class tuba player who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2018. Now retired from both Vanderbilt University and the Nashville Symphony, Gil talks candidly about his experiences. Together, these friends compare notes...

In this first episode of Season 2 of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier talks with guitarist Fabio Dwyer. Fabio’s journey with early onset Parkinson's disease has been defined by resilience and the pursuit of new possibilities. Following his diagnosis, Fabio chose to undergo deep brain stimulation, DBS, a procedure that has fundamentally changed his daily life. Fabio shares t...

Previously, Conducting Parkinson's reposted a YouTube video of Clayton Henderson, a pianist with severe Parkinson's symptoms. When he begins to play piano, we see that his symptoms completely disappear. This two-part episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations is with Clayton’s son, Ethan Henderson, who recorded this video back in 2012.In this second part of our conversation, Ethan discusses h...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with violinist Roger Frisch. Roger is a distinguished violinist and former associate concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra. After building a celebrated career, he developed Essential Tremor, a neurological condition that threatened his ability to play his instrument. In 2010, Roger underwent deep-brain stimulation su...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with Denise Bacon. Denise is a dedicated clarinetist and amateur musician who has Parkinson’s Disease. She gained international recognition for playing her instrument during deep-brain stimulation surgery at King's College Hospital, helping surgeons monitor her motor functions in real time. If you are a musician wit...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, the guest is Daphne Bryan, PhD. Daphne is the author of MUSIC AS MEDICINE and PARKINSON'S AND THE B1 THERAPY. An experienced musician and researcher, she explores how music can support neurological health—especially in people with Parkinson’s disease—and how therapeutic approaches like high-dose vitamin B1 can improve quality of life for...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with Tony Coffey. Tony Coffey is a musician and songwriter whose distinctive voice and heartfelt storytelling shine through songs deeply informed by his experience living with Parkinson’s disease. His work blends authentic lyrics and memorable melodies, offering listeners a moving reflection on resilience, vulnerability...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with Craig McKenzie, Associate Director of Bands at the University of Miami. Craig’s mother has been on the Parkinson’s journey for thirty years, and Craig’s thoughtful insights into caregiving and how PD impacts one’s family are invaluable for all those with a loved one facing Parkinson's. If you are a musician wit...

In this first episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations for 2026, Thomas Verrier speaks with Joe Stemnock. After receiving his PD diagnosis in 2017 and retiring as a middle school teacher in 2018, Joe pursued his dream of becoming a songwriter and recording artist. Joe is a true inspiration! To hear Joe's music follow this link: www.youtube.com/@stemmy If you are a musician with Parkinso...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with conductor and trumpeter William Bing. Now retired and 10+ years into his journey with Parkinson's Disease, Bill's positive outlook is inspiring. If you are a musician with Parkinson's, I would love to hear from you. I believe that when we share our stories, others on the Parkinson's journey will fee...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Thomas Verrier talks with Priscilla Weaver. Pricilla shares her story and discusses the significant role that piano playing and walking playlists have had in her daily fight against Parkinson’s disease. If you are a musician with Parkinson's, I would love to hear from you. I believe that when we share our stories, others on the Parkinson...