Music Therapy for People with Parkinson’s Disease

Tremble Clefs singers

Donna Rosenheck and Carolyn Perkins

The South East Tremble Clefs meets twice a month at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church on East Riggs Road. Tremble Clefs provides singing therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease. This clinically beneficial program provides vocal and breathing exercises. A family member is welcome to attend with the person who has Parkinson’s disease. No musical experience is expected or required. After a summer break, Sun Lakes meetings will resume on Thursday, Sept. 7.

Tremble Clefs Arizona member Rocky wrote, “We participants in Tremble Clefs share a common goal: We want to continue to strengthen our resolve, our voice, and our health. Singing in concert with others is enjoyable and seems to bring joy to others. I’m looking forward to next year.” Tremble Clefs Arizona member Mary said, “You can’t live in your own little world. You will go down with no vision. Sing and look to have fun. You don’t do that when you’re all alone.”

Tremble Clefs began in Scottsdale in 1994. In 2018 two vibrant music therapy groups, the original (Scottsdale) and the West Side (Sun City), joined together and incorporated as Tremble Clefs Arizona. That same year, they were awarded 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. Today in Maricopa County, there are four groups under the incorporated leadership of Tremble Clefs Arizona. They meet in Scottsdale, Sun City, Mesa, and Sun Lakes. You can find out more about this nonprofit charity on their website, TrembleClefsArizona.org.

We welcome new members. The only requirement is that you have Parkinson’s disease. The first session is free. After that, it is $5 per meeting. For more information, please contact the music director of the South East Tremble Clefs, Carolyn Perkins, at 480-486-0170 or [email protected]. South East Tremble Clefs meets on the first and third Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes (located on the northeast corner of S. Sun Lake Blvd. and E. Riggs Road).