Always on
This project successfully funded on 1st December 2024, you can still support them with a donation.
Songs That Move
Skipton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Aim
Fundraising for a groundbreaking music and movement pilot programme, with huge potential for a range of neurological conditions.
Project aim
To create 10 filmed song performances with accompanying movements, for a groundbreaking pilot programme within the Parkinson's community.
An introduction
Songs That Move harnesses the power of classical songs and their stories, combining them with clinically relevant movement to exercise both the body and the brain. Created and performed by internationally-renowned artists and specialists.
So far we have raised over £18,000 via this crowdfund and private donation, including £2,500 from Parkinson's UK. We are seeking a total of £20,000 to create and distribute our pilot programme.
We have now produced ten Songs That Move exercise videos, hosted on an easily-accessible digital platform, free of charge to the user.
Your continued donations will help to support our in-person workshops for therapeutic groups.
Parkinson’s has over forty symptoms and presents uniquely in every person. It is proven that exercise plays a universally vital role in easing the progression of symptoms, whether tremor, stiffness, cramp, insomnia etc. If the brain is simultaneously challenged by other stimuli, this improves neuroplasticity and the outcome is even more positive.
What's the bigger picture?
We will use the pilot videos for a clinical trial in partnership with Dr Daniel van Wamelen at Kings College London, gathering data and feedback from people with Parkinson's, stroke, aphasia and other neurological conditions, before scaling up the project to create a library of songs and exercises catering for a diverse range of neurological conditions. We aim for the songs to be available on prescription.
We are working in collaboration with specialist physiotherapists the Neuro Heroes, with development feedback from award-winning podcasters Movers & Shakers Mark Mardell and Gillian Lacey-Solymar. We are currently also forming our collaboration with global piano specialists Steinway & Sons.
(Starting voice development work on the project with Mover & Shaker Mark Mardell)
Watch their version of We Will Survive (the Parky Remix) highlighting their Parky Charter
How will it work?
Each video starts with an introduction about the imagery and stories behind each piece, enabling the listener to find a personal connection. The song is then performed by singer and pianist. An exercise video can also be played, featuring a dancer showing movements to follow. The movements are inspired by the words and carefully designed to meet a range of specific physical needs. The experience as a whole is designed to lift mood and inspire imagination in all users.
Who are we?
CREATIVE TEAM
Bibi Heal, singer international soprano, co-founder Songs That Move
Stephen Barlow, piano international conductor, pianist, composer, podcaster Joanna & the Maestro
Jane Rice-Bowen, producer ex-CEO National Centre for Circus Arts, fundraiser, business consultant
William Tuckett, choreographer ex-Royal Ballet, Olivier Award-winning director
COLLABORATORS
Zenaida Yanowsky, dancer ex-Royal Ballet, principal for 21 years
Dominic Best, film maker award-winning director ROH/Sky Arts series, Kanneh-Mason film
Bridget Foreman, wordsmith published playwright, lecturer University of York, BBC commentator
Oliver Condy, text content Apple Classical Head of Copy, ex-BBC Music Magazine editor for 17 years
Parkinson’s UK, generous support, advice and funding
CONSULTANTS
Neuro Heroes, specialist physiotherapists online neuro-gym founders
Dr Tony Woods, data gather KCL SHAPER director, ex-Wellcome Trust Head of Medical Humanities & Engagement, physiologist
Dr Daniel J van Wamelen, consultant neurologist, worldwide Parkinson's specialist, Professor of Neurology KCL
Mark Mardell ex-BBC political correspondent, podcaster Movers & Shakers, has Parkinson’s
Gillian Lacey-Solymar financial analyst, UCL lecturer, ex-BBC journalist, podcaster Movers & Shakers, has Parkinson’s
PRESS AND MEDIA COVERAGE
Guests on BBC World Service (Newsday), BBC Radio 4 (PM with Eddie Mair, election day 2020), BBC Radio Cumbria (The Arty Show), Heart Radio, Smooth Radio
Major feature in Observer on Sunday
Also featured in Guardian, The Times, Yorkshire Post, Positive News magazine.
FUNDING
Original research project funded by Arts Council England, Help Musicians UK, and Great Place Lakes and Dales
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made