The Sing Thing Choir
Empowering voices, building community. A weekly group combining voice strengthening, singing, and social connection for people with neurological conditions.
Are you or someone you know living with Parkinson’s or another neurological condition? The Sing Thing is a friendly, welcoming group offering speech, voice and swallow-strengthening exercises, singing, and social connection.
At the heart of The Sing Thing is a strong foundation in evidence-based practice. Many of the group’s speech and voice activities are guided by the principles of the SPEAK OUT!® program — an internationally recognised treatment designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s regain and retain their speech, voice, and safe swallowing abilities.
Get in touch with us about upcoming sessions, cost, and anything else you’d like to know.
Session Details
What a Session Looks Like
1 hour
Voice & Speech Exercises
Evidence-based voice, speech, and swallow strengthening exercises guided by Speech Pathologist Edwina Kruizinga.
1 hour
Singing
Singing sessions led by our Musical Director to boost mood, breath control, and confidence.
30 minutes
Afternoon Tea
Social connection and community over a relaxed afternoon tea.
Why Join?
The Science Behind Singing
Singing isn’t just enjoyable — it’s targeted exercise for the exact respiratory, laryngeal, and vocal systems that Parkinson’s disease impairs. A growing body of research supports the benefits:
Stronger Voice
The Australian ParkinSong trial found that participants in weekly singing groups were over 5 dB louder than controls after 12 months — a meaningful improvement in everyday conversation.
Better Breathing
Singing demands sustained, controlled exhalation at higher effort than speech. Systematic reviews confirm significant improvements in respiratory pressure and phonation time.
Swallowing Protection
Singing exercises the same muscles used in swallowing. Research shows group singing can help maintain swallowing function, while those who don't participate may decline.
Social Connection & Wellbeing
Group singing increases oxytocin and dopamine, reduces anxiety and stigma, and creates faster social bonding than other group activities. Participants consistently report improved mood and quality of life.
Research references include the ParkinSong trial (University of Melbourne, 2019–2020), the 2024 systematic review of singing-based therapy in Parkinson’s (Journal of Voice), and the Abell et al. international study (2021).
What Participants Say
“Tony looked forward to the sessions each week. He really appreciated the friendship of the Sing Thing group, so thank you to the beautiful people who go to the classes each Monday.”
“Parkinson’s affects each individual differently, with varying levels of severity. Participants of The Sing Thing have reported significant improvements in both communication and swallowing. The group also provides a strong support network, where members help one another navigate the challenges of living with Parkinson’s. There is a wonderful sense of camaraderie, and many have expressed an increased sense of wellbeing because of these connections made through our choir.”
Interested in joining The Sing Thing?
Get in touch to find out about upcoming sessions, location, and how to get involved.