Carter's Story - Music Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

Music that moves: Carter’s inspiring journey with IMNF

Meet Carter, a participant in IMNF’s Music Has Power® for PD program.


Carter and his wife discovered the program through a referral, and as artists and music enthusiasts, they were intrigued by its unique approach compared to traditional support groups. For Carter, who lives with Parkinson’s disease, the experience was transformative from the very first session.


He was amazed at how effortlessly he could walk to the rhythm of the music, finding a renewed sense of confidence and control. Even swaying his arms—something he had struggled with—became more natural with the music’s guidance. Encouraged by these breakthroughs, Carter began coming to each session prepared with a playlist of songs that helped him improve his mobility.


Through IMNF’s Music Has Power® for PD program, participants like Carter learn how to harness the therapeutic potential of music to enhance their health and wellness. The program also equips care partners with resources and training, empowering them to integrate music into daily routines for lasting benefits.


Carter’s journey is a testament to how music can inspire new possibilities, offering hope and a better quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.


Your support of IMNF helps make programs like this possible. Together, we can continue to provide life-changing opportunities for those who need them most.


To learn more about IMNF's Music Has Power® for PD program, visit the Services section on our website.


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Your donation helps support programs like Music Has Power®, bringing the therapeutic benefits of music to individuals like Carter and their care partners. Donate now to help us continue transforming lives through the power of music.

April 17, 2025
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function has been selected as one of nine recipients of the 2025 Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Awards. In partnership with Stanford University, IMNF will explore how music therapy can be translated into a digital therapeutic for young adults with depression and anxiety.
April 9, 2025
IMNFs new online course, Best Practices from Music Therapy for Using Music in Senior Wellness and Healthcare is approved for Continuing Education Credits by CBMT, NAB, NCTRC, and NYSED. Developed by Dr. Concetta Tomaino and the IMNF team, this on-demand course equips practitioners, caregivers, and leaders with the knowledge and tools to implement therapeutic music practices in senior care. Now with CEU approval across disciplines, the course is accessible and meaningful for a broader audience of professionals seeking to expand their impact. “ We developed this training to enhance knowledge of best practices in the use of music in senior care for many people already working in this area ," says Dr. Tomaino, " i.e., musicians, therapeutic recreation specialists, volunteers, and caregivers. The advanced credential for master's-level music therapists is to elevate the role of MTs to an advisory and consulting role in senior care. Only a small percentage of MT-BCs work in senior healthcare, yet there are 1.3 million seniors living in nursing homes in the U.S. We not only want to be sure these individuals benefit from intentional use of music programs, but that music therapists who want to work in this area are elevated and recognized for their expertise.” About the Course Based on the book Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare , this nine-module training bridges the gap between music therapy and everyday care. It draws on over 40 years of clinical and research experience and is designed for: Long-Term Care Professionals and Administrators Recreational Therapists and Activity Professionals Music Therapists and Master’s-Level Clinicians Musicians and Artists in Healthcare Family Caregivers Participants who successfully complete the online course earn certification as a Senior Care Music Specialist , along with a one-year IMNF membership and listing in our referral network, along with a complimentary copy of Dr. Tomaino’s book. Master’s-level MT-BCs interested in earning the Advanced Senior Care Music Therapist (ASCMT) credential can complete the course online and then participate in a specialized in-person training at IMNF’s headquarters in Mount Vernon, NY. Learn More Download Course Flyer
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