Tremble Clefs Iowa (TC-Iowa) is a therapeutic singing group for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers, family members, and care partners. The group meets on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Iowa City Senior Center and is facilitated by Dr. Abbey Dvorak, associate professor and neurologic music therapist. No musical experience is required. Participants engage in breathing exercises, vocal and rhythmic activities, and group singing of familiar and enjoyable songs in a supportive, welcoming environment.
Research shows that singing can help improve many common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including challenges with voice, breathing, movement, posture, mood, and communication. By combining music, rhythm, movement, and social connection, TC-Iowa helps participants strengthen their voices, improve respiratory function, enhance overall well-being, and build meaningful relationships with others. Supported by grants and donations, the program is free to all participants and is guided by experts in neurology, music therapy, speech therapy, and music education to ensure an evidence-based approach to care.
Questions?
If you'd like to learn more about Tremble Clefs, our research, or ways to get involved, please contact Dr. Abbey Dvorak.
NEA Research Labs grant
The UI music therapy program has received a generous National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Research Labs grant to investigate the impact of therapeutic group singing on health and wellness outcomes for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. The interdisciplinary project will examine how participation in therapeutic singing programs can improve voice quality, communication, psychosocial well-being, and overall quality of life for people with Parkinson's. The multi-year initiative will also explore how community performances by Parkinson’s singing groups influence audience understanding of Parkinson’s disease and its treatment.
Fraternal Order of Eagles grant
Not everyone with Parkinson’s disease can attend in-person therapeutic singing sessions due to health concerns (e.g., mobility, fatigue, fall risk) and/or logistics (e.g., transportation, distance, medication timing). The FOE project allows for updated equipment to record and develop online resources for home-practice videos and materials for individuals with PD and expand access to specialized care throughout communities. By expanding digital access, we aim to support continuity of practice between sessions, reach individuals who are unable to attend in person, and contribute to the broader network of Parkinson’s‑focused therapeutic singing resources.
