*
banner

RNCM to spearhead lead with concert for people with Parkinson's

A series of relaxed concerts will help explore the benefit of music to people living with Parkinson's disease.

RNCM
  The egg shakers are given to audience members to play along to the music. Image: Robin Clewleyr

A unique free concert of original music written with and for people with Parkinson's (PwP) will premiere at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) in Manchester this month.

The 'Music for Parkinson's' concert on Thursday 30th January is part of a world-first project to explore the role of music in the lives of PwP and to create a catalogue of bespoke, new music that can support people living with the neurological condition to manage their symptoms, mood, and daily routine.

Relaxed

4BR was informed that the special relaxed performance environment will debut seven 'miniature' works written by seven composers from the RNCM in close collaboration with 10 PwP from across the UK.

At events audience members are given egg shakers to play along with the music.

It will also include a panel discussion with some of the writers and their collaborators.

The composers are Profs Adam Gorb and Emily Howard, PhD students Cee Haines, Megan Steinberg, and Simon Knighton, and undergraduate composition students Amit Manna and Ella Laughton. The programme will be performed on piano by PGDip student Yuanfan Yang.

Evidence

Although there is compelling anecdotal evidence of the value of music to people with Parkinson's, the RNCM is believed to be leading the way in this important area.

A five-year study conducted by a team of international researchers, including Project Lead Dr Michelle Phillips (Senior Lecturer in Music Psychology at the RNCM), indicated that music could have a much broader role in treatments for Parkinson's beyond helping PwP with movement.

Key to survival

Ray Weaver, a collaborator who worked with Megan Steinberg, said music had always been a big part of his life but that it had been "key to my survival" since his diagnosis.

More than 150,000 people live with Parkinson's in the UK and around 10 million people worldwide — a number that is expected to double by 2050.

Extensive research

Extensive research has proven the benefits of music for people living with lifelong conditions such as Dementia, said Dr Phillips, but much more research is needed into how and why it may be beneficial for PwP.

She added: "We want to start finding out how music can create the best outcomes for PwP. Our research shows that PwP have a very personal response; that the elements of music that help people to relax, to be able to move, and to manage their Parkinson's might not have the same effect on everyone.

But if we can start to understand how these bespoke pieces can help, it's a great first step."

'Music for Parkinson's' is free to attend and is part of a series of events from Monday 27th — Friday 31st January4BR

Free Concert

'Music for Parkinson's' is free to attend and is part of a series of events from Mon 27th — Fri 31st January celebrating diverse musical voices and in tribute to a former PhD student of the College, Lucy Hale, who passed in January 2021.

Key events include an eclectic programme from Manchester Camerata with pianist Ethan David Loch (Friday January 31st), a Research Forum re-evaluating approaches to understanding music and autism by Prof Pam Heaton (Wednesday 29th January), and a free 'relaxed performance' Lunchtimes concert from the RNCM Brass Ensemble (Thursday 30th January).

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd