Conducting Parkinson's Conversations

Conducting Parkinson's
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  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Semiweekly

I'm Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson's Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson's Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite—it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! Through this podcast, I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; to create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; to foster a supportive network of conductors and musicians with PD; and to raise awareness and understanding among others in the broader community.

  1. Oct 15

    Jill Pfluke

    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 with visual impairments. She continues to practice, perform, and share her violin music through social media. Since developing Parkinson’s, Jill’s connection to music has become even more personal. She has described music as therapeutic and continues to explore the role her violin can play in living with Parkinson’s. Today, we’ll talk about Jill’s musical journey, how Parkinson’s has affected her relationship with the violin, and how music can provide expression, connection, and perhaps even healing for those living with the disease.    ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKINSON’S: I’m Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; create a forum to share and compare experiences; foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and raise awareness and understanding in the broader community. PLEASE FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsonswww.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons#parkinsondiseaseawareness #parkinsonsawareness #michaeljfoxfoundation

  2. Oct 8

    Paolo Tatafiore

    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 his right hand. These symptoms struck at the very center of his life as a pianist and ultimately led him to stop performing concerts. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Paolo brought the same discipline and determination he had developed as a musician to confronting this very different challenge. ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKINSON’S: I’m Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; create a forum to share and compare experiences; foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and raise awareness and understanding in the broader community. PLEASE FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsonswww.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons#parkinsondiseaseawareness #parkinsonsawareness #michaeljfoxfoundation

  3. Sep 27

    Alistair Scott

    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 because of the enormous satisfaction he gets from making music, but because he’s found it to be therapeutic on many levels. At the age of 80, Alistair decided to take things one step further. He bought himself an alto saxophone — and now he’s learning to play that instrument as well! In this conversation, Alistair shares his perspectives on learning later in life, living with Parkinson’s, and the powerfully positive effects of making music.ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKINSON’S: I’m Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation; quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and raise awareness and understanding in the broader community. PLEASE FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons #parkinsondiseaseawareness #parkinsonsawareness #michaeljfoxfoundation

  4. Sep 24

    Alan "Otto" Compton

    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 for an extended run in London and ultimately to Broadway. Afterward, Alan continued performing and built a successful career in the music industry in Memphis. When Alan developed a tremor in his left hand at the age of47, it was especially significant for a lifelong percussionist whose craft depended on precision and coordination. Initially diagnosed with essential tremor, Alan would later learn he was also living with Parkinson’s disease. Today, following treatment that has included medication andfocused ultrasound, Alan is working to rebuild the coordination in his left hand. Together with his wife, Tara, he has taken another remarkable step—turning their experience with Parkinson’s into advocacy by founding the Grind City Parkinson’s Project, an organization focused on awareness, community, support, and raising funds for Parkinson’s research https://www.grindcityparkinsons.org/. ABOUT CONDUCTING PARKINSON’S: I’m Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation; quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and raise awareness and understanding in the broader community. PLEASE FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons #parkinsondiseaseawareness#parkinsonsawareness#michaeljfoxfoundation

  5. Aug 30

    Bob Regan

    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 McEntire, Tanya Tucker, Billy Ray Cyrus, Randy Travis, and many others. His work has earned both Grammy and Dove Award nominations.Bob also served three terms as president of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and he also founded Operation Song, which brings songwriters together with veterans and military families to help tell their stories through music. More recently, Bob has turned his storytelling talents to essays, including deeply personal pieces published in The Boston Globe. His work as a writer, songwriter, and advocate has also been recognized with the William Randolph Hearst Award. Today, Bob is facing another chapter: living with Parkinson’s disease. He has spoken candidly about the challenges of the diagnosis and the uncertainty that comes with a progressive illness. 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 Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and raise awareness and understanding in the broader community. FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons #parkinsondiseaseawareness #parkinsonsawareness #michaeljfoxfoundation

  6. Aug 17

    Robert Dunham

    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 University, San Bernardino and Georgia Southern University. Now retired, Rob has Parkinson’s disease, but he is navigating his journey with the same courage, grace, and determination that have always defined him. His willingness to share his perspective is another way he continues to inspire those around him. 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 Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and raise awareness and understanding in the broader community. FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons #parkinsondiseaseawareness#parkinsonsawareness#michaeljfoxfoundation

  7. Aug 8

    Samuel Smith

    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 his own musical ideas to life when the disease made playing guitar increasingly difficult. His acclaimed Nashville-produced album, “The Art of Letting Go,” features an all-star lineup of Grammy-winning musicians and stands as a powerful testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music.    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 Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; to create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; to foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and to raise awareness and understanding among others in the broader community. FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons #parkinsondiseaseawareness#parkinsonsawareness#michaeljfoxfoundation

  8. Jul 31

    Rich Gootee

    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 recognition at the World Parkinson Congress. Today, Rich continues to inspire audiences through his music, sharing hope and encouragement drawn from his personal journey with Parkinson’s. 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 Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson’s Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson’s Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite, it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! It is my desire that by sharing my story, others facing Parkinson’s Disease will know that they are not alone. I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; to create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; to foster a supportive network of conductors/musicians with Parkinson’s; and to raise awareness and understanding among others in the broader community.   FOLLOW ON SOCIALS: www.instagram.com/conductingparkinsons www.facebook.com/conductingparkinsons #parkinsondiseaseawareness#parkinsonsawareness#michaeljfoxfoundation

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I'm Thomas Verrier, conductor of the Vanderbilt University Wind Symphony, and I have Parkinson's Disease. I have come to accept that Parkinson's Disease will significantly shape my future. However, my acceptance does not equate to resignation. Quite the opposite—it has given me a strong sense of purpose and motivation! Through this podcast, I hope to inspire perseverance and adaptation; to create a forum for sharing and comparing experiences; to foster a supportive network of conductors and musicians with PD; and to raise awareness and understanding among others in the broader community.

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