I played guitar off and on since 6th grade. Took some piano lessons as a kid and about 10 years ago. But I played the lap Dulcimer starting in 1999 and still play. It’s my primary instrument and I am leader of a dulcimer club in my area and I manage our annual Dulcimer festival and campout. I’ve played Dulcimer now for 18 years. Before my PD, I played extremely well, was one of the top players in my group. I noticed in 2009, that I was beginning to affect my playing due to twitch of right index finger. The twitch later progresses to full tremor right hand. And really affected my playing ability. This was serious to me, affecting my playing music, so had to do something! And my my life of Parkinson’s medical care began. I don’t always play well, some days I can’t play at all. Other days I play so well as if I didn’t have Parkinson’s! But regardless of how well or terrible I play, I keep it up and keep on playing the best I can!

Guitar got to hard for me to handle with my PD issues, so five years ago, I picked up ukulele. It’s easier to handle and play and a whole lot of fun!

What helps manage my PD symptoms and helps me play music better? 1) positive attitude, 2) willpower and dedication, 3) exercise, 4) taking my medicine, and 5) last but not least, MUCH PRACTICE!
My exercise includes Rock Steady Boxing, walking, and will be adding doing exercises at home with a book/DVD of Delay the Disease (Parkinson’s exercise program). I also constantly do finger, hand and wrist exercises and stretching.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member - good to get back to music. Exercise should help help your breathing and volume.

Specific exercises for trombone and brass instruments can be found online, search google “breathing and mouth exercises for trombone"

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A MyParki...

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member - there doesn’t seem to be any Delay the Disease classes in international areas. Seems to only be in the United States, primarily the northeast states because it’s an Ohio based program. http://www.delaythedisease.com/for-people-with-...

A 2nd edition (2017) of Delay the Disease DVD/book is available online at DTD website and on Amazon.

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A MyParki...

Are there any “delay the disease” classes in Johannesburg SA?

Music does lift spirits and relieve stress. I agree all should keep the music flowing no matter what you play or what your skill level is. And don’t let Parkinson’s keep you from playing music, rather keep on playing music to help keep Parkinson’s under control.