Prescription for Rhythm
Rhythm and Drumming for Parkinson’s
A free, weekly music therapy program for people living with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, and their care partners.
Led by Jason Armstrong Baker, LPMT, MT-BC, and sponsored by the Johns Hopkins Center for Music & Medicine, Rx4Rhythm uses rhythm and music-making to improve timing, coordination, movement, and social connection.
No musical experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome, and you don't need to consider yourself a musician to participate.
Choose your group:
Online: Mondays, 3–4 p.m. Eastern, on Zoom. No instruments required.
In person: Tuesdays, 3–4 p.m. Eastern, in Baltimore’s Govans neighborhood. Hand drums and percussion instruments are provided.
Both groups are free. Join us to discover the power of making music together.
MovementRx4Rhythm
Coordination
-
Virtual Rx4Rhythm is a weekly music therapy group for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Together, we explore rhythm through music, clapping, and body percussion to develop rhythmic awareness, coordination, timing, and connection. Care partners are welcome, and no musical experience is necessary.
No drums or instruments are required. We use our hands and bodies to play along with music we love, explore rhythms from around the world, and strengthen our connection to rhythm. You’re also welcome to bring your own drum or percussion instrument.
For the best experience, I encourage participants to attend at least four consecutive sessions. It takes time to become comfortable with new rhythms, and regular participation gives you the opportunity to practice, build skills, and connect with the group.
I look forward to making music with you!
-
In-Person Rx4Rhythm is a weekly music therapy drumming group for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Through group drumming, we explore rhythm, develop coordination and timing, strengthen our connection to music, and make music together. Care partners are welcome, and no musical experience is necessary.
Participants use hand drums and percussion instruments to learn rhythms, play together, and experience the connection that develops through shared music-making. You don’t need to know how to play an instrument. We’ll learn together, one rhythm at a time.
For the best experience, I encourage participants to attend at least four consecutive sessions. With regular participation, you’ll have opportunities to develop your rhythmic skills, grow more comfortable playing with others, and become part of a supportive rhythm community.
I look forward to drumming with you!
*Location details will be shared after registration
Rhythmic Gait Cycle
Internal Clock
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Simple answer. No. I provide everything you will need to get started.
-
Click the link above for the session you want to join, and I will send you more information.
-
Absolutely. More the merrier!
-
At first it’s best to come to 4 sessions in a row so you can get comfortable with the experience and become part of our rhythmic community.
-
Yes.
-
I will help you adapt the movements for your body.
Rhythm-based Music Therapy for Parkinson’s
Rhythm is more than music. It provides a predictable, external structure that can help us organize movement, coordinate our actions, and connect with others.
For people living with Parkinson’s disease, changes in the brain’s movement-regulation systems can make the timing and initiation of movement more challenging. Research in music and movement suggests that rhythmic auditory cues can help support movement timing by providing an external pulse for the brain and body to follow.
At Rx4Rhythm, we use the power of rhythm through structured drumming, clapping, body percussion, and group music-making. Participants explore steady beats, rhythmic patterns, coordination, and the experience of synchronizing with others.
But the benefits of making music together extend beyond movement. Our sessions also create opportunities for creative expression, social connection, shared accomplishment, and joy. Participants can challenge themselves, discover new abilities, and experience the satisfaction of contributing to a group.
You don’t need to be a musician to participate. We meet you where you are, and every participant can engage at their own pace.
Rx4Rhythm brings together music therapy, rhythm, and community in an accessible, welcoming environment for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Care partners are welcome, too.
Everyone has rhythm.
No experience necessary.
Care partners are also welcome.
Let’s discover what we can do with it together.
The Science of Rhythm and Movement
Research into drumming and rhythm in therapy has been expanding for over a decade, highlighting some of the benefits musicians have known, while at the same time discovering new and interesting benefits along with more questions.
Helping and Learning
The Center for Music & Medicine is continuing to expand music-based research on the effect of music on neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and stroke.
Research suggests drumming may help …
Quality of life
Coordination
Timing
Stress markers
Blood Pressure
Social connectivity, to name a few…
Sign Up, or
Ask a Question
If you would like to join either our virtual group on Mondays at 3pm Eastern Time on Zoom, or our in-person group in Baltimore on Tuesdays at 3pm, please fill out the form to your right.
If you have any questions please submit the form with a question and I will get back to you with more information.