The Helping Harmony of Music and Parkinson’s

Guest Blog by Frank Antonicelli

For those living with Parkinson’s disease, simple acts of movement or expression can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain. Over the past 17 years, I’ve faced challenges that have tested me in every way possible, but one surprising ally has been music. Music is more than just a backdrop to life’s moments; for many of us with (and without) Parkinson’s, it’s a lifeline — a force that can help calm the mind, energize the body, and lift the spirit.

Physically, music has a unique ability to bridge some of the gaps where Parkinson’s creates disconnection. Rhythm, in particular, plays a powerful role. Scientists have discovered that rhythmic cues can help improve gait, balance, and coordination in people with Parkinson’s. When I listen to a song with a steady beat, it feels like my body finds a new rhythm of its own. What once felt stiff or slow begins to move more with a surprising fluidity. For some people with Parkinson’s, music therapy, dance therapy, drumming, playing the piano, or simply walking to the beat of a favorite tune has been shown to help unlock motion in ways traditional exercise often can’t.

I believe for me (and many others) music offers a mental haven, a place where Parkinson’s can’t reach in and take over. It is almost as if it taps into parts of the brain that remain untouched by the condition, sparking happiness and creativity. Speaking from my own experience, I’ve noticed situations where a familiar melody or an evocative lyric has had the power to transport me to another time and place, helping me to unburden my mind and give myself a much-needed attitude adjustment for the better.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey with Parkinson’s has been discovering the transformative power of music and reconnecting with my creative side. In my younger days, I poured my thoughts out on paper through lyrics and poetry, dreaming of becoming a songwriter. However, I lacked the confidence to pursue it fully. As life progressed and my professional career took off, I set those creative projects aside, (literally tucking them away in a drawer) and didn’t look back.

That all changed during a particularly rough patch with my Parkinson’s. Overwhelmed by my body’s struggles and medications that no longer seemed to be working, I turned to writing as a way to process and make sense of my situation. This rediscovery led me back to the poems and songs I had written long ago. Seeing them with fresh, yet tired eyes, I began to appreciate them in a new light and was inspired to start working on new material.

At that time, Parkinson’s felt like it was casting a heavy shadow of uncertainty over my future. I asked myself, “If now isn’t the time to do what I love, then when is?” With that, I decided to share my work with others, putting myself out there in a way I never had before. This decision led me to an incredible group of musicians with whom I felt an instant connection. Together, they’ve helped bring my songs to life and we formed our group, Animal Speak. Over the past few years, we’ve grown tighter as bandmates, as well as friends, and have released music we’re proud of.

Two of those tracks, “There 4 U” and “The Healer,” hold deep personal meaning for me. They were inspired by remarkable individuals who had entered my life, caretakers and healers, who impacted my Parkinson’s journey and my recovery from Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Their support, kindness, and strength got me through the toughest times of my life, and these songs are my tribute to their role in helping me move forward.

As a takeaway, this experience has taught me that the power of collective expression is undeniable. Music has an interesting way of uniting us and proves that even in the face of adversity, connection and art can help us find our way.

Within the broader Parkinson’s community, I’ve been very happy to see how music has become a cornerstone of wellness for many. Programs like group singing sessions or rhythmic movement classes are about more than therapy—they’re about connection, empowerment, and belonging. They remind us that we are not alone but part of something greater, a shared rhythm that binds us together.

While Parkinson’s has shaped my life in unexpected ways and taken many things from me, it has not taken away my voice or creativity. Through music, I’ve rediscovered a part of myself that I thought was lost forever, and I found an extra way to keep moving forward in a way that truly makes me happy.

Music is one of my essential tools for living fully, whether I’m listening, creating, or simply moving to its beat.