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.

Music therapy can help improve or maintain:

• Speech
• Swallow function
• Breath capacity
• Fine & gross motor skills
• Cognition

Music therapy services are specifically designed to support group and individual empowerment, emotional validation, and opportunities for self-expression in a non-threatening environment.

TESTIMONIALS

MEET 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.

Voice

Mondays, 11:00am-12:00pm

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.

Harmonica

Wednesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm

This classes increases 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.

Chair Yoga

Fridays, 2:00pm-3:00pm

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.

Individual Music Therapy Sessions

By Appointment

< Adolescents

Individual Music Therapy >