Why People With Parkinson’s Disease Should SING

As music therapists, we at Soundscaping Source make music all the time with people who have diagnoses and limitations of various kinds. I always find it sad when people think they can’t be musical because of a diagnosis, and I find it delightful when they discover they can. So I was particularly delighted to receive…

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Can People With Parkinson’s Disease Sing?

Can People With Parkinson’s Disease Sing? | SoundscapingSource.com

Not too long ago, superstar singer Linda Ronstadt told the world that she has Parkinson’s disease. Because of this, she said, “I can’t sing at all…I can’t sing a note.” Along with a world full of music lovers, I am very sorry to hear of Ronstadt’s health struggles. I can only imagine how difficult it…

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Song Spotlight: “T’ain’t What You Do (It’s the Way That You Do It)”

Taint What You Do - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Lighthearted Theme: Letting go and taking it easy Tempo: Upbeat Style: Calypso I’m always looking for songs with catchy choruses that lend themselves to new song verses, and I recently found a gem: “T’Ain’t What You Do (It’s The Way That You Do It).” Written by jazz musicians Melvin “Sy” Oliver and James “Trummy” Young, this calypso song was first recorded in…

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Song Spotlight: “Mama Tried”

Mamma Tried - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Regretful, Defiant, Wistful Theme: Regret, Motherhood/Parenting Tempo: Moderately Fast Genre/style: Classic Country Mother’s Day is coming up in a few days, and in honor of the holiday, I’ve been sharing many songs about motherly advice and love with clients in music therapy. In fact, a few that I’ve spotlighted before work well for this holiday,…

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Song Spotlight: “When the Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along)”

When the Red, Red Robin - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Cheerful, Jaunty Themes: Signs of Spring, Birds, Feeling Happy Tempo: Moderate (Andante) Genre/style: 1920s popular song Today’s song spotlight is one of my favorite songs to herald the coming of springtime. It’s also great for inspiring a cheerful mood. The song? “When The Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along”

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Song Spotlight: “Danny Boy”

Danny Boy - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Sentimental, Wistful Themes: Ireland, Saying Goodbye, Missing a Loved One, Death Tempo: Slow to moderate Genre/style: Ballad “Danny Boy” is one of those songs that is at once ubiquitous and mysterious. I’ve been singing this song a lot in the last week for music therapy sessions leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, and two clients reacted in ways…

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Song Spotlight: “Hound Dog”

Hound Dog - Song Spotlight | SoundscapingSource.com

Mood: Upbeat, full of attitude Theme: Dogs and/or freeloading gigolos Tempo: Moderate Genre/style: Rhythm and blues/Rock and roll We have a new family member in our house! This one gets around on four legs and has very long, droopy ears. His name is Duke, and he’s the adorable basset hound pictured above. I alluded to the inevitable canine addition…

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