My PD Story

By: Sun Joo Lee

As a board-certified music therapist, I have witnessed how therapeutic group singing (TGS), can address the complex and interconnected needs of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). 

Singing and speaking share processes involved in breathing, voice production and articulation, supported by overlapping brain networks. Music’s accessible and motivating nature encourages participation in voice exercises, movement and group singing that support voice and speech functions while connecting participants with others facing similar challenges. 

For people living with Parkinson’s, changes in voice and speech can be among the most frustrating and isolating challenges of daily life. Reduced vocal volume, unclear articulation and monotone speech, can affect everyday communication, confidence, emotional well-being, social relationships and quality of life. 

Tremble Clefs, a therapeutic group singing program for people living with PD, their care partners and family members, began in Scottsdale, AZ, in 1994. Members of a local PD support group always ended their monthly meetings with a group sing-along. They noticed that after singing, their voices became louder, stronger and clearer. They also experienced joy and connection with one another. 

Most importantly, they could engage in meaningful conversations with their care partners on the way home. Inspired by these experiences, they established Tremble Clefs, a pioneering therapeutic singing program for people living with PD in the U.S. 

Participants report positive changes in their voice and speech, mood and social engagement. One participant said, “A silver lining of PD is finding Tremble Clefs where my voice is heard in a support environment with friends overcoming same life challenges. I have a new family now.” 

A care partner said, “Tremble Clefs gave us something we can look forward to as a couple. His PD stops us doing things we used to do together. However, now we enjoy this group with new friends who understand what we go through. I don’t need to explain how difficult it is to be a caregiver. They offer a shoulder whenever I need”. 

 Since 2008, I have directed Tremble Clefs Arizona, where I developed my identity as a music therapist through meaningful relationships with participants. 

These experiences have profoundly shaped my professional journey. The lived experiences of participants have deepened my understanding of PD and allowed me to become part of their journeys, rather than simply facilitating singing sessions.

Inspired to investigate TGS scientifically, I pursued a PhD in music therapy at the University of Iowa, where I established Tremble Clefs Iowa in 2023. Most recently, as a faculty member at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory, I established Tremble Clefs Kansas City, continuing my commitment to advancing TGS.

With the support from a Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant, Tremble Clefs is expanding its Telehealth services, including opportunities for Korean-speaking people with their care partners. These programs help reduce geographic and language barriers to specialized music therapy while fostering connection and belonging. 

I believe Tremble Clefs creates a space for us to connect, support one another, and continue living meaningful lives with PD. For us, Tremble Clefs is more than a choir. It is a holistic model of care in which we continue to learn and grow through music and the lives we share.

As we proudly say together, “We are Tremble Clefs, we are the best!”

Explore Parkinson’s Foundation community grant programs, including exercise classes and wellness events, near you. You can also find a list of local offerings through your nearest chapter.