Singing for Parkinson's
Across the UK, people with Parkinson's are coming together to enjoy the power and beauty of singing.
Perky Parkies
In a bright church hall in North London, 15 singers are beginning their fortnightly rehearsal. They start with a few stretches before moving on to scales and other voice exercises, and then the piano strikes up the opening notes of ‘California Dreamin’.
This is the Perky Parkies choir, which has been working with professional singing teacher Viv Bellos for around a year and a half.
Many are members of the Barnet and Brent support group. Others were part of Viv’s other choirs before they developed Parkinson’s.
There are no auditions and no expectation that you’ve sung in a choir before. And Viv has put together the choir’s songbook (which includes everything from showtunes to ABBA) using members’ requests.
"I check that the songs don’t have too many words, and aren’t pitched too high or too low, but other than that, it’s no different to any of the other four choirs I work with," says Viv. The group performs 2 or 3 times a year - Viv explains: "With any choir, I find it helps to have something to work towards," - but even choir members who don’t want to perform are welcome to rehearse.
And the joy in the room is evident. Toes tap, Elvis Presley-like growls are heard, and there are even a few rounds of applause. "Of course you can do the ‘doobie-doobies’, if you can handle the pressure," Viv jokes during ‘When I’m 64’ - although the group decides to change the lyric to ‘when I’m 94’ to “give them a bit more leeway.”
David Brodie has had Parkinson’s for around 13 years. He set up a pilot choir after reading about the benefits of singing for people with Parkinson’s, and as a way to make physical activity more fun.
His favourite piece of music is Ralph McTell’s ‘Streets of London’, but he’s modest about his own performance.
I don’t think I am musical. I won’t even sing in the shower. But Viv says I can hold a tune, and it’s always easier with someone else next to you to follow - or hide behind!
He continues: "It lifts the mood for sure, and it’s very inclusive. I’d recommend joining a choir to anyone with Parkinson’s - I’d be surprised if they didn’t enjoy it."
ParkinSings
In January 2025, Parkinson’s UK Cymru and Choirs for Good launched the ParkinSings pilot project to find out whether group singing could improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s and their supporters.
Across 3 ParkinSings choirs, 49 people met fortnightly for three months, before 35 choristers performed at the Senedd in Cardiff on 1 April 2025, to mark the start of World Parkinson’s Month.
At the end of the project, singers were asked about the difference it had made to their mood and wellbeing. An amazing 97% said that their wellbeing had improved, and the same number said they were less anxious and depressed. And 95% said that being part of the choir had improved their vocal strength and voice control.
Angela Llewellyn and her husband joined the Mid-Wales choir. She says: "He really enjoys it - it’s something we can do together."
I haven’t been in a choir since school so it’s great to have the opportunity to sing again. We often go to see concerts and musicals, so now it’s our turn to be on the stage.
Julie Evans joined the South Wales choir. She says: "I have enjoyed the choir immensely. It makes me feel happy and gives me the confidence to do something I wouldn't normally try. Singing is new to me, and I love doing the song ‘Ti a Fi’ as my grandchildren all attend Welsh language schools."
What’s the evidence?
Singing has been shown to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms like tremor and issues with walking and posture. This is because it helps to relax muscles and release tension in the back and neck.
Singing can also help to reduce anxiety and low mood by lowering stress hormones, and increases the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical (endorphins).