Conducting Parkinson's Conversations

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...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson's Conversations, Thomas Verrier visits again with Dr. Jonathan Cannon. This time, they discuss experiences dealing with tempo and review some relevant research. 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 feel less alone. ABOUT CONDUCTING P...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson's Conversations, flutist Teresa Muir shares the story of her 21-year journey with 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's journey will feel less alone. ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKINSON’S: I’m Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vande...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, I speak with Dr. Concetta Tomaino, executive director and co-founder of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_for_Music_and_Neurologic_Function)(IMNF). A past president of the American Association for Music Therapy, Dr. Tomaino is internationally known for her research in the clinical applic...

In the latest episode of Conducting Parkinson’s conversations, Thomas Verrier speaks with Colleen Bridges founder of Bridges for Parkinson’s and director of Rocksteady Boxing in middle Tennessee. "Colleen is a true inspiration; I speak from firsthand experience! In our conversation, Colleen discusses the importance for all Parkinson’s patients to have a comprehensive exercise plan!" If y...

In this episode, retired music teacher, Bernhard Spirig speaks candidly about how his emotional health impacts his Parkinson’s symptoms and how making music positively affects his sense of well being. Featured performance of "Lueget vo Berg und Tal" from Swiss Suite for cello and piano by Fabian Müller. Pi-Chin Chien, violoncello, Benjamin Engeli, piano. If you are a musician with Parkin...

Previously, Conducting Parkinson's reposted a YouTube video of Clayton Henderson, a pianist with severe Parkinson 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 first part of our conversation, Ethan describes...

In this episode of Conducting Parkinson’s Conversations, Dr. Jonathan Cannon discusses some theories regarding the positive effect that the aesthetic experience of music making has on my PD symptoms. 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 feel less alone. ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKIN...

Don Peterson, retired conductor of the Brigham Young University Wind Symphony, joins the podcast to compare notes, as well as to discuss the double-edged sword of Parkinson's and retirement. ABOUT DON: Dr. Don Peterson’s music career began as a young trumpet player in Salt Lake City. He received both his B.M. and M.M. degrees in music education from Brigham Young University, followed by the D....

Revered baton craftsman Phil Aguglia, owner of PaGu Batons, joins Thomas Verrier for a trip down memory lane of when the two collaborated on Verrier's custom baton. ABOUT PHIL: Phil Aguglia’s passion for music was ignited as a student in the City of Buffalo School Public School system learning to play the trumpet. He was fortunate to have some amazing teachers that provided many unique opportu...

Rand Laycock, known for receiving the groundbreaking Deep Brain Stimulation surgery with Cleveland Clinic, joins Thomas Verrier to discuss the impact of this treatment on his conducting journey. Dr. Rand Laycock is a retired high school orchestra conductor and the current music director of the Parma Symphony Orchestra in Northeast Ohio.