Parkinson’s Fitness co-founders Keith and Linda Hall are excited to announce a pioneering six-week drumming class for people on the North Shore living with Parkinson’s disease, beginning Tuesday, January 26^th, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. This pilot program is part of the ongoing ability-based Parkinson’s Fitness exercise, arts and movement programs available weekly in Danvers, Gloucester, Hamilton and Marblehead.

Why choose drumming? A recent Parkinson’s forum included an article titled “Drum Therapy Program Helping Parkinson’s Patients.” One music therapist working at a rehab center in Washington State offered this explanation for the success of drumming therapy for patients with Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases: “Playing music actually increases serotonin and dopamine production in the brain, which decreases through the progression of Parkinson’s. Clients have found that drumming therapy can tone muscles, decrease anxiety and depression, increase energy, stimulate the brain, and even reduce fatigue.” Drumming is also a great way to have fun and socialize!

Instructor Lauren Caso is a board certified music therapist and music educator from the Boston area, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in 2002. She has been teaching music professionally for over 13 years in public schools, community settings and privately. Lauren has traveled to Ghana, Senegal and India to study music and dance. During her stay in Ghana, West Africa, she was able to study drumming and dancing in depth with master teachers. Currently, Lauren is on the faculty at The Community Music Center of Boston (Tufts University) as an African drumming teacher. She teaches private guitar, piano, violin, and theory lessons, and also plays violin in the Melrose Symphony Orchestra. Her high energy and ability to adapt to other’s needs make her an effective and invaluable teacher. Lauren is thrilled to collaborate locally with Parkinson’s Fitness to introduce and lead this newest innovative arts and movement program.

Drumming space will be generously provided by CareOne at Peabody (formerly Peabody Glen) at 199 Andover Street (Route 114) in Peabody, directly opposite the North Shore shopping mall. Class size will be limited to 12 participants who actually have Parkinson’s for the initial six-week session.

Register now to join as a pioneering member! Various types of drums will be provided.

There is a nominal charge of $30 for the six-week class to reimburse the instructor for teaching, travel, and the use of her equipment. Payment should be made to Parkinson’s Fitness, 46 Brittania Circle, Salem, MA 01970 prior to the first class session in order to hold space.

Contact: Linda or Keith Hall
Email:     parkinsonsfitness@gmail.com or Lindajhall53@gmail.com
Phone:    781-572-5918