Who are the Bushlarks?
In April 2019 we started our new voice and singing activity for people with Parkinson’s, their carers and friends. We call ourselves the Bushlarks, singing and having fun in the Bush Capital. Come and join us! It’s fun, it’s enjoyable, it’s therapeutic, it’s social, and there’s no audition needed … just come along and give it a try! They say laughter is the best medicine, but singing is just as good! And when we laugh AND sing, what could be better?
Why sing?
What’s the problem?
People with Parkinson’s commonly experience weakness in the various muscles used in speaking, whether respiration, voice production or lip and tongue control. This can lead to difficulty with articulation, slurred speech, reduced volume and pitch, and breathy voice. Difficulty in swallowing is also common: it uses some of these same muscles.
Speech and swallowing difficulties affect quality of life
Communication is more difficult, and people with Parkinson’s often avoid situations which involve eating or drinking in public. Swallowing difficulties slow your eating, and conversation while eating can be difficult.
Singing is therapeutic
Singing is a form of exercise directed at these weakened muscles. It aims not only to improve speech and communication, but also to protect against some of the complications of swallowing by working the muscles involved with swallowing and respiratory control.
Singing improves quality of life
Improved breathing, communication and swallowing facilitate the socialising which is so important to quality of life. Singing is in itself a social activity, of course, so it helps new friendship groups to form.
Singing is inclusive
Everyone can join in: people with Parkinson’s, partners, carers, family and friends. It has everything: it’s fun, it’s therapeutic, everyone can participate, group size is no problem, and it helps you get to know other members of PACT. The more the merrier!
How one Bushlark described it …
One of the Bushlarks put it like this.
How do we join in?
The Bushlarks are being instructed and led by well-known Canberra musician Chrissie Shaw If you would like more information please contact Chrissie and leave your name, phone number and email address. Chrissie will reply with more details!
WHERE: St. Simon’s Anglican Church, Georgina Crescent, Kaleen
WHEN: Monday mornings (except public holidays) between 10am and 12 noon
(Also listed on our calendar).
COST: $10 per session (free for carers / partners).
CONTACT: Chrissie Shaw: mobile 0407 079 748 or email: chrissieshaw@apex.net.au
Videos and references
Parkinson’s singing groups are a popular activity around the world.
For example, see:
a group from Snape Maltings in the UK..
If you would like to read on the topic we recommend this Parkinson’s NSW flyer Shout or you’ll be without
and a few articles for starters …
- Parkinson’s disease symptoms improve with singing, study finds
- ‘ParkinSong’ and Other Song Therapy Programs May Help Preserve Speech, Study Says
- Singing improves Parkinson’s symptoms and quality of life
Photo Gallery and Reports
A selection of photos and reports are here.