Parkinson’s: Singing With Parkinson’s by Taylor Luiz

Singing with Parkinson’s Choir is a virtual group that meets twice a week virtually that consists of members all across the country.

It uses different Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) techniques in order to achieve common goals such as breath support, articulation, and volume. These techniques include Oral Motor and Respiration Exercises (OMREX) and Therapeutic Singing (TS). OMREX focuses on using music to support the client’s use of the breath, as well as practicing articulation to improve intelligibility of speech. During each rehearsal, breathing exercises using music are used to practice healthy inhales and exhales and the engagement of the diaphragm to support the breath. Additionally, vocal exercises are used to practice articulation and volume, which would transfer to therapeutic singing.

During this period, Singing With Parkinsons is working on five songs: “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude”  by the Beatles, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin, “Que Sera, Sera” by Doris Day, and “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan. Each of these songs utilize the practices earlier practiced through OMREX exercises to transfer the skills to singing. Overall, these NMT techniques help individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease to preserve their speech and breathing skills. 

This has been my fourth month working with Singing With Parkinson’s Choir, and I have just taken over leading the full sessions. In my undergraduate degree, I was required to be a part of choir rehearsals twice a week and have missed being in a choir setting.

With Parkinson’s Choir, I always look forward to working with these individuals. Even though we are not in person, it makes my day seeing  these wonderful people have friendships with each other and how they all come together for their love of music. 

It has been a journey to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease and how to best serve this population. However, with each passing day, these clients are so understanding with my learning and I continue to learn something every time I lead a rehearsal. My internship concludes in approximately two months (Jan. 26), so even though our time is coming to an end, I have learned invaluable information that will help me into my future career as a music therapist. 

Overall, working with Singing With Parkinson’s has been an incredible experience and one that I will always cherish. 

- Taylor Luiz, Music Therapy Intern at Perfect Harmony Health