Sing to Beat Parkinson's is a community-funded music therapy group that meets weekly just outside of Bath. The group has 10–13 members attending each week, along with their carers or family members. Each session starts with an informal chat over tea, allowing participants to share stories, build connections, and create a sense of community in what can often feel like an isolating experience.

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Rose, the Neurologic Music Therapist leading the group, describes what a typical session looks like:

In the music session, which lasts for an hour, we all warm up together; stretching, practising breathing and vocal warm up exercises, and incorporating gentle movement into our singing group. As well as singing songs altogether, we do partner exercises with percussion instruments, and play musical games like rounds and tongue twisters to keep us on our toes between songs. Everyone in the group likes to contribute suggestions and bring different ideas for how we can improve coordination and cognitive skills, sometimes using exercises from physiotherapists and other groups they attend as inspiration. 

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Among the group’s regular members are Bob and his wife Anne, who have been with us since the very beginning. Their story highlights the profound impact the group has had on their lives:

Bob has been coming since the beginning, and he and his wife Anne are central members to the group. Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson's with Lewy Bodies a few years ago, and ‘struggling with everything’. He had always sung in choirs and been quite active, but the covid pandemic and this diagnosis had a huge effect on him - suddenly he felt unable, and unwilling, to do so much that he had done before. Anne remembers:

We were so pleased to hear that a new group called Sing to Beat Parkinson's was starting last Autumn. When we heard about the group I wasn't sure how Bob would react, but along we went, and although the group was very small, it was obvious by the end of the afternoon that he had benefited from it. He seemed more alert, more cheerful, and positive. That was the start of our weekly afternoon out! A bit of exercise, physical, musical and memory wise, added to uplifting singing, lots of laughter and good company. We both gain a lot - Bob, although often finding things difficult, has a twinkle in his eye as he tries to keep up with everything, and tries harder with all exercise. We sing our hearts out - and keep it going often on the way home - although perhaps more me as Bob often sleeps as soon as we leave the car park.

Bob, despite having unsteady balance and finding some physical exercises challenging, takes part in all of the exercises and songs in the group, and he and Anne have contributed several songs that they have wanted to share and are lovely to sing. His attention is sustained throughout the hour unless he is particularly tired, and he is a fantastic contributor to musical games that we play. It is noticeable that his will to take part in the activities battles and overcomes physical difficulties that he may be experiencing, and he smiles often in the group when he takes part. Anne comments:

Bob is more cheerful and alert, and looks forward to meeting up with everyone, and although not essential for me to stay, I enjoy being involved and having the company of folk in the same or similar situation as us. The group has grown and grown and I think we have all become friends.

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Since its inception, Sing to Beat Parkinson’s has been generously supported by the Quartet Foundation, Parkinson’s UK, Music for All and Bath Boules. We would like to give a special mention to Grenville Jones and the Good Afternoon Choir for their continued support.