Students collaborate across disciplines in Parkinson's Disease Music, Movement, and Voice Group

The beating of drums echoes, followed by the tapping of rhythm sticks. The room fills with movement and sound as patients sing along to “Country Roads.” 

This isn’t your typical music class. Instead, it’s a collaborative setting where West Virginia University School of Medicine students work alongside individuals living with Parkinson’s disease to supplement their care plans in other ways. 

The Parkinson's Disease Music, Movement, and Voice Group brings together students in Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Music Therapy, offering hands-on experience in a clinical setting while collaborating across disciplines. 

The weekly group meetings are led by students and feature hour-long sessions with a variety of activities designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s support their mobility, coordination and communication.  

Katherine Payne, a first-year Speech-Language Pathology student, focuses on activities that involve fine and gross motor movements, along with vocal exercises. 

“We sing songs and complete activities that involve both fine and gross motor movements to help maintain mobility,” Payne said. “We also encourage the use of loud voices so participants can practice using the muscles required for voice. This gives them a chance to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment that is free of judgment.” 

This group is just one of many clinical rotations that Speech-Language Pathology students complete to prepare them for their future careers.  

“Participating in rotations like this is important because it provides real-world experience that you can’t get from a textbook,” Payne said. “It helps build clinical judgment, communication skills, and teamwork, which are all essential for my future career.” 

Maggie Holstein, a Master of Occupational Therapy student, has worked with the group through both her coursework and volunteer experience. Holstein has found the group has shaped how she connects with and supports patients. 

“This group has allowed me to find a love for both group therapy settings and practicing OT among the adult population,” Holstein said. “I have built rapport with these patients, and getting to see them weekly brings me so much joy. I have learned the complexity of the diagnosis and just how heavily both cognitive and motor skills can be impacted.” 

The Parkinson's Disease Music, Movement, and Voice Group is led by Hannah Bush, assistant professor of Music Therapy, Molly Abitbol, assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Richelle Gray, assistant professor of Occupational Therapy.  

“The group provides a unique opportunity for patients with Parkinson’s Disease to combat the decline of the disease while also building a support system with other patients fighting similar battles,” Bush said. “Our patients and their caregivers have reported the benefits of this interprofessional group go beyond what is experienced within the therapy hour as they continue to experience the positive effects of mood elevation and enhanced focus and attention as they continue into their weekends.” 

To learn more about WVU's Speech-Language Pathology or OT majors, visit medicine.wvu.edu/students. For pathways to these degrees, visit medicine.wvu.edu/students/pre-health.  

po/04/30/2026

CONTACT: Ally Kennedy
Senior Communications Specialist
WVU School of Medicine and Health Sciences
allyson.kennedy1@wvumedicine.org