Case Study: The Good Vibrations Chorus

Introduction

The RWCMD Good Vibrations Chorus, supported by Parkinsons UK, is open to all, with a specific focus for people with Parkinson’s and their family/carers to come along to sing for fun! Each week, participants join a choir leader & RWCMD students for vocal exercises, physio-designed warm ups and familiar and new songs to strengthen their voices and counteract the softening of speech and the loss of muscle tone common in Parkinson’s. Attendance has been recommended by Health Professionals: "It was clear from talking to the families and patients with Parkinson's that they felt the session had improved their confidence & mental wellbeing but also their clinicians had noted the improvement of the swallowing mechanism, vocal cords and of course their speech for the so important communication."

The Challenge

The Chorus was developed in partnership with Cardiff Parkinsons Branch. Knowing about the significant benefits of song, branch members approached RWCMD to enquire if the national consevatiore could help create a singing group. 1 in 37 people in the UK have Parkinson’s, a number that has more than doubled since 1990 and continues to increase. Parkinson’s causes involuntary shaking, stiff and inflexible muscles, and impacts vocal strength including volume and clarity. It can also be linked to depression and loss of memory. We explore the physical and mental benefits of regular group singing, movement and socialisation in a conservatoire environment.

The Approach

In collaboration with Parkinson’s Cardiff, RWCMD delivers weekly, termtime afternoon sessions of 90 minutes, including warm-ups, vocal exercises developed with health professionals, and singing led by a professional choir master, pianist and 5-6 supporting RWCMD music student volunteers, plus 30 minutes to socialise and share news over refreshments. The group meet at RWCMD, before moving to the Old Library once this is renovated and acoustically optimised by Spring 2027. The Chorus involves expert musicians and conservatoire students to ensure high standards, support and guidance for members. The choir sing arrangements by artists including Amy Wadge (writer of UK’s 2022 Eurovision entry) and Tim Rhys-Evans (Choir leader and founder of the Aloud Charity). Following participant feedback, we push the singers musically, always using at least 4-part harmony. Participants contribute to repertoire choices. Suggestions for 2025 included popular music, Welsh songs, classical works and Bob Marley. The group have performed publicly at locations such as The Senedd and Parkinson's World Cup. Working with students and graduates to support the project provides an excellent training opportunity, helping them to understand the clear benefits and to use arts and health work in their future careers.

The Impact

We have interviewed all participants and updated delivery based on some of their feedback. An professional research evaluator is exploring the impact of our project, which will feed into future developments.

We invited health professional to attend the weekly sessions and share their feedback, such as Joanne Brandon, Director of Comms & Engagement, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, who said, "The Chorus clearly supports a positive intervention for the physical and mental wellbeing of living with a degenerative neurological condition." "It was a pleasure to take part in the session and the enthusiasm, level of teaching and the care and compassion shown by individuals from RWCMD was both exceptional and humbling in equal parts. I would welcome the continuation of this much valued intervention and joy for patients and families living with and alongside Parkinson's."

Good Vibrations Chorus members have said, "From the moment we came, we’ve just loved it. It was amazing. Loved it, Loved it, it’s just the highlight of my week." "From a wellbeing point of view, its immeasurable, the choir is great. Everyone's so friendly, and I think the Choirmaster, Josh, paces everything so well for us. All of that, wrapped up in a great big ball of joy is just such a positive thing!"

Lessons Learned

Involving students and graduates to lead delivery has been a huge success. Participants enjoy developing a relationship with the students and have booked tickets to see them performing at College. We've also covered the cost of college performance tickets for participants, supporting their further arts access. The students have greatly benefited from hands on learning about arts and health work and career pathways. Working in collaboration with the Windrush Elders has allowed us to reach further with the diversity of members

The Legacy

We believe in the power of the arts to change lives. 50+ people with Parkinsons enjoyed regular group singing sessions, reporting improved physical and mental health as a result of our project. Following 18 successful months, we hope to continue the Chorus, expanding the number and diversity of members. Learning from the project will help develop new Arts and Health initiatives at College to increase access to the arts. Without support, the Chorus' future is in doubt, however we are working to build a sustainable model for future delivery

Website and Social Media Links

Website https://www.rwcmd.ac.uk/open-rwcmd/public-and-community-engagement/good-vibrations-chorus

Contact Details

Guy O'Donnell Communities Engagement Partner Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

Email guy.odonnell@rwcmd.ac.uk

Tags: Song, Choirs, People living with Parkinson's, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

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