Singin' for Parkinson's

Experience the uplifting power of Singin' for Parkinson's, a group that goes beyond singing, offering a warm and welcoming space for anyone with Parkinson's disease. Connect with others, discover new skills, and let your favorite songs become a source of joy and improvement for Parkinson's symptoms.   

Facilitated by Ashley Lewis, a Board-Certified Neurologic Music Therapist and Music Therapy program coordinator at Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts), our sessions are a harmonious blend of evidence-based techniques tailored to fit the unique needs and preferences of each participant. From speech and language improvement to refining physical motor skills and enhancing cognitive abilities, our sessions are a symphony of positive impact. 

As a dedicated music therapist, Ashley’s passion lies in serving the Parkinson's community, and she’s witnessed the incredible impact of music therapy in increasing confidence, fostering social connections, and bringing the magic of group music-making to life.    

Join us in lively rehearsal-style settings, supported by neurologic music therapy warm-ups and singing techniques within a dynamic choir format. Our goal? A live group performance at the end of each semester, featuring songs spanning various genres and decades.    

Embark on this multi-week series where you're encouraged to attend all sessions or join whenever it suits your rhythm. We're here to sing songs that transcend time and genre, bringing a beautiful season of song and joy directly to your heart. Join us, and let the music be the soundtrack to your journey towards improved wellbeing!    

About the Presenter: 

Ashley Lewis is a Board-Certified Neurologic Music Therapist and Music Therapy program coordinator at Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts). Ashley completed her master’s in music therapy at Florida State University, focusing on research in music therapy for performers. With a specialization in medical music therapy, she gained clinical experience from working with premature infants in the NICU to adults in various healthcare settings such as ICU, ER, labor & delivery, cardiac, and oncology. Ashley has also worked with individuals with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and in hospice care, along with providing various levels of music therapy for wellness. Her contributions in medical settings include supervising pre-interns, assisting in graduate research, and directing a Parkinson’s Awareness Choir.   

Beyond her clinical work, Ashley has embraced various roles, beginning as an Arts in Medicine practicum student in behavioral health during her undergraduate years at UCF and continuing as a community-based counselor for adolescents at Memorial Community Youth Services in South Florida. She also spent four years as a Teaching Artist in New York City, engaging with schools and education centers. Additionally, she has shared her expertise as an Adjunct Faculty member, teaching undergraduate courses in “Beginning Guitar” and “Acting Through Song” at both Florida State University and the University of Maine.   

In her free time, Ashley finds joy in regional performances in film, commercials, theatre, and music, pursuing her passion as a professional actor and musician. 

Host or Publisher Center for Health & Wellbeing