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