Singing for Speech: A Choral Program for Communication Skills for Clients With Parkinson's. A review of the literature

Author

Carol SmolenskiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-22-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

E Kellogg, PhD

Abstract

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neuro-degenerative condition that impacts motor functions, causing tremors, postural instability, and difficulties initiating or coordinating movement. The resulting loss of oral-motor coordination, decline in respiratory function, and impacts on gait and posture all can affect the voice, leading to declines in effective expressive language. Challenges with communication can lead to social isolation and withdrawal. This literature review provides rationale for the establishment of a highly structured choir program, to be jointly administered by a certified music therapist and a licensed speech pathologist, to support speech and communication goals. The proposed protocol includes techniques derived from vocal pedagogy, speech pathology and music therapy, and includes a public performance component to provide motivation for participants and extension of practice to real-world applications.

Creative Commons License

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Recommended Citation

Smolenski, Carol, "Singing for Speech: A Choral Program for Communication Skills for Clients With Parkinson's. A review of the literature" (2021). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 380.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/380