Professor Dr. Dawn Rose, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) (Switzerland)

Prof. Rose is a music psychologist, senior research professor, and musician based at HSLU. Her research examines the role of music in health and wellbeing, with a primary focus on music-based interventions for people with Parkinson’s and on the wellbeing of musicians.

Professor Rose trained in music psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, with a specialization in the neuroscience of music and its therapeutic applications in movement disorders. Prior to her academic career, she worked professionally as a drummer and psychotherapist, informing her interdisciplinary and practice-based research approach. Dr. Rose is the author of over 30 publications and is currently writing a non-academic book for people with Parkinson’s and practitioners sharing ways in which music can be helpful for managing Parkinson’s symptoms.

Dawn has recently concluded a major international project, Music, Mood, and Movement in Parkinson's, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and Parkinson Schweiz. This project involved the co-development and evaluation of Songlines for Parkinson’s, a group-based music and movement intervention designed in collaboration with people with Parkinson’s, rehabilitation practitioners (physical, music, and occupational therapists), medical specialists (neurology and neurorehabilitation specialists), and researchers from neuroscience, psychology, sports science, and kinematics.

Using mixed methods (including motion capture and a pressure sensitive gait mat, clinical measures, and participant interviews conducted throughout the intervention), the research demonstrated how using music motivates increased activity, and musical imagery promotes internalized cueing. People with Parkinson’s improved their functional mobility, gaining a sense of agency and social support with music as the conduit for developing a community of care and the self-management of symptoms. The intervention has since been adapted for out-patient clinics across Switzerland. Knowledge mobilization outputs include an online resource https://www.playlist4parkinsons.com/ and a series of award-winning concerts to disseminate research findings directly for people with Parkinson’s and practitioners.

Research interests and goals for collaboration in Canada:

Professor Rose is preparing an ERC Consolidator Grant application (Euro 2+1 million) for submission in January 2027 and is seeking to expand collaborations in Canada, following a bilateral research agreement between Switzerland and Canada. She aims to leverage ERC funding to support complementary Canadian grant applications. She is seeking partnerships with Canadian academic institutions and clinics interested in advancing music-based interventions for Parkinson’s disease and contributing to expanded patient recruitment and multisite trial infrastructure.

Specifically, she is seeking collaborations for a multisite RCT that will include:

• Practitioner training on the use of the Songlines for Parkinson’s intervention.

• Using neuroimaging techniques to investigate the effects of the intervention; and

• Sub studies exploring the use of music/guided imagery for anxiolytic effect/relaxation as part of Parkinson’s care plans.

Dawn is also seeking an agent and/or publisher for her non-academic book ‘Music and Parkinson’s’ for people with Parkinson’s.