CONCORD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC LAUNCHES NEW VOCAL PROGRAM, SINGING WITH PARKINSON’S, which brings together people with Parkinson’s, their family members, and caregivers.
The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is excited to launch a new vocal program for people with Parkinson’s, which begins Wednesday, March 6, 10:30 am to 12:00 pm in West Concord. “Singing with Parkinson’s” offers people in the community an opportunity to participate in voice therapy while singing, performing and experiencing the joy of making music. The chorus will cover songs from a variety of genres, and input from the group will help guide the repertoire.
Research has shown that vocal exercise enhances voice volume in people with Parkinson’s and that the presence of music and rhythm improves movement. “Our goal for the “Singing with Parkinson’s” program is to offer people coping with the disease a chance to sing together, perform in the community and build new friendships,” said Kate Yoder, Executive Director of CCM. “In addition to stimulating creativity, “Singing with Parkinson’s” will help members with breathing, stretching, posture and vocal exercises –all therapeutic benefits provided in a supportive environment,” added Yoder.
Dr. Greta Feeney will lead the 90-minute weekly sessions on Wednesday mornings at CCM, located in the West Concord Union Church. Dr. Feeney is an American opera singer, scholar, and educator. She studied at The Juilliard School in New York and made her operatic debut on the main stage at The San Francisco Opera, where she has performed in more than 20 productions.
As a music educator and mentor, Dr. Feeney’s work ranges from teaching private voice lessons to choral conducting, with a special focus on restorative voice techniques using a “speech-to-song” approach. Dr. Feeney serves on the faculties of the Concord Conservatory of Music and the Nantucket Music Center and is faculty chair of the voice department at Powers Music School in Belmont, MA.
CCM will provide an accompanist for the weekly sessions as well as refreshments and time for the group to socialize. To register online, click here, visit https://concordconservatory.org/CCM_Singing_with_Parkinsons, email ehuggard@concordconservatory.org or call 978-369-0010.
