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.

August 11, 2025
IMNF Executive Director Dr. Concetta Tomaino will present “Music and the Brain” at the Project Lifesaver 2025 Annual Conference, sharing how music impacts cognitive, physical, and emotional function for those living with neurological challenges.
July 31, 2025
IMNF’s Director of Programming, Justin Russo, joins Shaping the Future of Aging to discuss how personalized music can support cognitive and emotional well-being in dementia care and other neurologic conditions.
July 29, 2025
Maejor will be honored at the 2025 Music Has Power® Awards for his visionary work at the intersection of music, healing, and innovation. Join us in celebrating his global impact and commitment to advancing the therapeutic potential of sound.
July 28, 2025
Celebrating three decades of music-driven healing, research, and education, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function marks 30 years of transforming lives through therapeutic music.
July 23, 2025
Receive 10% off an annual subscription to Spiritune—a music-based app designed to support emotional regulation, focus, and well-being. Use code imnf10 at checkout.
July 18, 2025
Join the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function in New York City for a powerful gathering of leaders in music therapy, neuroscience, and aging care. The Music Has Power® Symposium & Awards brings together experts, innovators, and artists to explore the healing power of music and honor those advancing its impact.
July 16, 2025
Discover how music can regulate the nervous system and support healing in a new Westchester Magazine feature on IMNF Executive Director Dr. Concetta Tomaino. Learn how IMNF continues to lead in clinical music therapy.
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Join IMNF founder Dr. Concetta Tomaino as she explores the powerful intersection of music therapy and neuroscience at CUNY’s ASRC. Discover how music is transforming care for people with neurological conditions.
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Mount Vernon, NY – June 2025 – The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) is proud to announce the launch of its Intergenerational Ukulele Club, a new initiative designed to bring people of all ages together through the power of music.
July 3, 2025
The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) has launched a new pilot study in collaboration with the Songs of Love Foundation to explore how custom-written, personalized songs may benefit older adults living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Building on the principles of the Music & Memory program, this study investigates whether individualized compositions—created using personal details such as the individual’s name, favorite activities, and family references—can help support memory recall, reduce anxiety, and increase emotional engagement. This initiative expands the scope of person-centered music interventions by introducing novel music tailored to the individual, rather than relying solely on familiar, pre-recorded songs. The study will collect qualitative and observational data from caregivers and care staff across a small cohort of participants to assess the therapeutic impact. By evaluating these outcomes, IMNF aims to contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting music-based interventions in dementia care and further refine strategies for effective, accessible applications in both home and institutional settings. If you or a loved one is interested in receiving a free personalized song, download this form and email to imnf@wartburg.org.