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).