FRIDAY, 24 APRIL, 2015

EMBARGOED UNTIL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 11.30AM, MONDAY, 27 APRIL, NORRIE MILLER STUDIO, PERTH CONCERT HALL, PERTH

Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust hit the right note at Musicality event in Perth

People living with Parkinson’s disease were singing out at a Musicality event in Perth today (Monday).

The Musicality for Parkinson’s programme is run by Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust (THAT) in association with NHS Tayside and Creative Scotland. Horsecross Arts Perth also provided support for the programme.

The Musicality programme focuses on the benefits of singing and exploring creativity through music as a fun and enjoyable activity.

Singing coach and composer Debra Salem worked with the group during the eight-week programme and encouraged participants to develop their singing voices through a number of different song styles, such as jazz and blues. The group were also given the opportunity to take up playing the ukulele.

Participants from across Perth & Kinross performed their repertoire of songs at the Norrie Miller Studio Perth Concert Hall today (Monday).

Debra said, “Over the weeks I have introduced a variety of different songs and the group decided what they wanted to work on. I also introduced elements of jazz and blues style and have been delighted by their enthusiasm for learning.”

THAT development officer Karine Neill said, “It was very clear from our previous programme experience and recent research that music and singing can be very beneficial for people with long term health conditions.

“This group have really valued the opportunity to come together and see music and singing as an important and very enjoyable way to provide positive health benefits.”

THAT promotes the therapeutic value of arts-based programmes to enhance quality of life, to promote social inclusion and to empower the individual to make an important contribution to their health and

wellbeing.

Contact:

Debbie Huband

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740134