AudAbility and Parkinson’s Disease
Live Life Out Loud
MusicWorx’s AudAbility(™) program helps people with Parkinson’s Disease to live out loud. We believe that living with Parkinson’s doesn’t have to be isolating or limiting. Through music therapy and wellness-based approaches, we empower individuals to cultivate a good quality of life.
How does it work?
Music therapy is an evidence-based approach to assisting clients with physical, neurological, and emotional needs. We use music interventions such as singing, movement, instrument play, songwriting, and mindfulness to address therapeutic goals. Our board certified music therapists have expertise in specialty areas, including Neurologic Music Therapy, Yoga, and Medical Music Therapy.
Our Parkinson’s music therapy services are specifically designed to support group and individual empowerment, emotional validation, and opportunities for self-expression in a non-threatening environment. Parkinson’s music therapy can help improve or maintain:
- Speech
- Swallow function
- Breath capacity
- Fine & gross motor skills
- Cognition
San Diego County Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of the North County Parkinson’s Support Group and Central County Parkinson’s Support Group, you may be qualified to receive financial aid that will cover the cost of 12 weeks of AudAbility membership!
North County Application
Central County Application
Outside of San Diego County?
Parkinson’s Wellness Fund generously offers scholarships for AudAbility for individuals with Parkinson’s in any location. Short application required; apply now! Select AudAbility – Music Therapy at the end of the application.
Apply at PWC
TESTIMONIALS
This was the first time I had ever taken yoga. After the first class, I was sold!"
- AudAbility Yoga ParticipantIt's really cool because a lot of the things I'm working on with my physical therapist, we do in yoga."
- AudAbility Yoga ParticipantMy tremors are gone!"
- AudAbility Yoga ParticipantThank you for the class, I feel wonderful! I feel energy, I feel calm, I feel relaxed. I feel like I can stand better."
- AudAbility Yoga ParticipantMEET OUR THERAPISTS
Lindsay Zehren, MT-BC, RYT-200
Lindsay Zehren has had the honor and privilege of working with People with Parkinson’s and their care partners since 2016. She wrote the original AudAbility Voice and AudAbility Harmonica curriculum, has taught voice, harmonica, piano, mindfulness, drumming, and chair yoga classes for People with Parkinson’s and Care Partners, and has enjoyed presenting on this program at several events. Lindsay loves working with the Parkinson’s community in San Diego and is thrilled to be expanding the program throughout the United States.
Annela Flores, MT-BC, RYT-200
Annela is a staff music therapist for MusicWorx and a registered yoga teacher. She specializes in adult populations, including: inpatient medical settings, hospice/palliative care, Parkinson’s Disease, mental health, and older adult care. Annela began working with the AudAbility program in 2016. Annela is passionate about helping people with Parkinson’s feel equipped and empowered to live their best lives.
Cassandra Richtsmeier, MT-BC
Cassandra is the current AudAbility Voice music therapist with collegiate vocal training, experience with facilitating in-person and virtual classes, and is an intern placement mentor. She serves a variety of populations including adult inpatient medical hospital, people with Parkinson’s Disease, older adult with memory care needs, and teens in mental health. Cassandra is honored to help people with Parkinson’s to strengthen their voices and continue to live their lives out loud.
OUR CLASSES
AudAbility Holiday Special
Try out AudAbility! Join our Holiday Series with our Voice group classes filled with music, movement, mindfulness, singing, instrument play, and holiday cheer. Just $15 per class!
Harmonica
Wednesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm
This class increases your lung capacity and breath control, builds self-esteem, and encourages socialization. The harmonica is a fun and accessible instrument to play. Participants will learn breathing exercises, harmonica warm-ups, and a varied harmonica repertoire.
Beginner’s Harmonica and Intermediate Harmonia run simultaneously, choose the one that best suits your comfort level!
DATES and PRICING: Intermediate Harmonica
Piano
Mondays, 12:30pm-1:30pm (in-person)
Have you always wished you knew more about how to play piano? This group piano class utilizes unique Music Delights keyboards that makes piano playing accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities and needs. This dynamic system, on generous loan from Yamaha, connects keyboard interfaces together and provides a light-up follow-along system that engages everyone around the table. Finger exercises, piano repertoire, and opportunities for musical improvisation allow participants to work towards goals in improving fine motor skills and increasing cognition while developing a support network with like-minded individuals.
Voice
Mondays, 11:00am-12:00pm
Our flagship program! This highly interactive program improves articulation and projection of the voice. Participants engage in mindfulness exercises, physical warm-ups, and vocal warm-ups to prepare the body and mind for active music making through singing with their peers.
Stretch
Fridays, 11:00am-12:00pm
Music-guided movement, stretching, and wellness: This class is customized to the needs of People with Parkinson’s and their care partners, providing accessible exercises for any and all levels of physical ability or yoga familiarity. Participants will explore coping mechanisms to combat stress and anxiety, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles vital for balance.
OUR PARTNERS
