WHY THE HARMONICA: Up to 90% of people with PD can have speech difficulties as PD progresses, including vocal intensity/loudness, pitch, and articulation. Breath control, volume, pitch, and articulation are also the key factors taught in playing harmonica. As an adjunct to speech therapy, learning and playing harmonica may improve speech and saliva management as well as garner other benefits including social interaction and learning to play a musical instrument. This new program was born out of the Harmonica Parkinson Speech study funded by Parkinson Foundation Community Grant and the Hawaii Parkinson Foundation. The study results showed a trend of positive improvements in multiple areas of speech for the harmonica group.
WHEN: Classes held on ZOOM at 4:00 PM Hawaii time every 2nd Tuesday each month
WHERE: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87841433069?pwd=tEkZ8bbahOwPHUgabhQcNEiU5m7pZu.1
WHAT: Lessons with be roughly 45 minutes• Open to anyone with Parkinson’s and their care partners.• You will need to purchase a Harmonica in the Key of C. These can be found at your local music store or on Amazon.com. Affordable (Around $12-15), beginner harmonicas suggested is a.) Fender Blues Delux or b.) Horner Bluesband • Be prepared to have a lot of fun!• No musical background required.
You will playing songs on Day 1 including learning the original song The Parkinson’s Jive. https://youtu.be/h24kWRl3zxo?si=GSVzQ3ZTR9icHVgk