Singing and Playing Instruments and Neurological Conditions
Karen and the OC Tremble Clefs
One of my music therapy practicum experiences was working with Karen Skipper and her choir called the OC Tremble Clefs. Yep, I wrote it correctly - no typos in their title, and I love it. The Tremble Clefs are a group of people who have Parkinson’s Disease and sing together in a choir. Some bring family members or caregivers to weekly rehearsals, and it is a time to exercise their voices and spend time in community with others who are going through similar struggles and challenges. I learned so much about the benefits of music therapy, specifically using singing, projection, and breath support as goals in improving speech and respiratory function. Karen and the members of the choir taught me so much - not only about music therapy techniques but how to embrace life with all of its challenges and hardships. They gave me a fresh perspective as I watched them sing and live life with so much joy. I am happy that I got to teach them a vocal exercise that they still sing today - it’s called “Super Bubble Gum,” and it’s a tongue twister. It works on projection, diction, and it’s a blast to sing! (Give me a call, and I’d love to teach it to you. Karen and her choir called me on my birthday to sing it to me - best birthday song/gift ever!)
“They gave me a fresh perspective as I watched them sing and live life with so much joy.”
When I was working with Seasons Hospice as a music therapy intern, I had the opportunity to work with a patient who played harmonica. I played my guitar and he played his harmonica, and we jammed together on the blues, folk songs, country, or whatever he felt like in the moment. Our music therapy sessions led to working up a program that we performed for his family, friends, and board and care facility. Not only was it a meaningful legacy to leave with his family, but it helped him with respiratory issues (shortness of breath, lung capacity, etc.) as well as providing fresh joy and purpose for both of us. Like my experience with the OC Tremble Clefs, I saw the benefits of music therapy in achieving goals related to respiratory issues, but it also gave me a fresh perspective on the fact that no one is limited by her/his illness, and music can help us realize the possibilities.
No one is limited by her/his illness, and music can help us realize the possibilities.
In my music therapy classes and continuing education, I’ve read studies that show how Music Therapy helps people who have Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. Extensive research has been done and an increasing number of studies are appearing specifically in the field of music therapy and its efficacy in improving respiratory function through singing and playing instruments. More research needs to be done, but what is out there so far provides a strong case, and I have been able to see and experience it firsthand.
Music Therapy can help people breathe easier
Playing a wind instrument builds lung capacity.
Respiratory muscle weakness results in decreased lung volumes and ventilation, which over time leads to respiratory failure. Respiratory muscle strength is necessary to keep the airway clear, especially to generate effective coughing and prevent aspiration. Training these muscles is called respiratory muscle training (RMT), and music therapy plays a key role in this training. As a community of Board-Certified Music Therapists, we would like to see music therapy play a more prominent role in RMT. Singing training and wind instrument playing requires diaphragmatic breathing and good posture, which leads to greater lung capacity and increased projection and volume.
Engaging in singing and breathing exercises makes a difference, and it needs to be a more integral part of respiratory muscle training. And as you can see in the picture on the right, we can have fun building those muscles in a supportive community!
“Engaging in singing and breathing exercises makes a difference, and it needs to be a more integral part of respiratory muscle training.”
I am thrilled to bring the enjoyment and improved quality of life of music therapy to such a wide variety of populations, but it is even more meaningful to witness the difference in people (especially decreased negative symptoms) who are living with Parkinson’s or other neurological conditions.