Parkinson's Power Boost Playlist

Music and music therapy can help make positive changes for people with Parkinson's disease.¹ With the assistance of a music therapist, I've been experiencing therapy in new and effective ways.

One way is actively listening to music to affect my mood in a positive way. You can read about it in the article, Crafting a Playlist to Fit Your Mood.

In addition to improving my mood, the music therapist worked with my physical therapist to develop a playlist of songs that helped improve my ability to walk. Although results vary, it certainly works well for me.

Steps to build it

Here, I’ll review the steps I take to develop a playlist that brightens my day and I’ll share that playlist with you.

1. Determine the goal. For the playlist below my goal is to brighten my day with upbeat, positive music.

2. Make a list of songs. Of the potential songs, select the ones you find upbeat.

3. Look at the lyrics. One song I considered was Walking on Broken Glass. The title alone suggested that while upbeat, the subject of the song might not fit with my goals. I was right, the song is about loss and abandonment.  I took that song off my list.

4. Review your list. Take a look at your list of finalists.

5. Look at the order of the songs. Do you need to change the order to build up your day? Move the songs to build up your mood. For this list, I varied the speed of the songs but attempted to build to a climax

6. Enjoy your playlist!

My playlist

Using the steps above I've created my Parkinson’s Power Boost Playlist:

• "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams, The Mason Williams Phonographic Record
• "Good Day Sunshine" (Remastered 2009), by the Beatles, Revolver (Remastered)
• "Beautiful Day", by U2, All That You Can’t Leave Behind
• "Jumpin’ Jack Flash" (Mono Version), by The Rolling Stones, Hot Rocks (1964 – 1971)
• "Go Your Own Way" (2004 Remaster), by Fleetwood Mac, Rumours
• "Stand", by R.E.M., In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988 – 2003
• "Try Everything", by Shakira, Zootopia Original Soundtrack
• "Runnin’ Down A Dream", by Tom Petty, Full Moon Fever
• "Don’t Stop (2004 Remaster), by Fleetwood Mac, Rumours
• "Fly Away", by Lenny Kravitz, 5 (Explicit)
• "More Than A Feeling", by Boston, Boston
• "Jump" (Live), by Van Halen, The Best Of Both Worlds
• "Song 2" (2012 Remaster), by Blur, Blur
• 'Born To Be Wild" (Single Version), by Steppenwolf, Steppenwolf

“Tell me what you listen to and I’ll tell you who you are."² Music, through playlists, reveals a lot about us and can change us in a positive way. 

I hope I’ve piqued your interest and if you would like to know more about music therapy check out the American Music Therapy Association.