Following on the success of its recent “Creative Aging Day,” with nearly 50 enthusiastic participants, Concord Community Music School is introducing a series of mini-courses geared to those interested in exploring the use of movement and music in aging creatively and gracefully.
The newest course, “Movement and Song for Parkinson’s” with instructor Heather Oberheim, R-DMT, begins on Feb. 18. Participants will enjoy moving to music especially selected to help with balance, flexibility, regulation of walking gait, and daily joy. No dance or musical experience is necessary to participate; walkers, canes, and wheelchairs are welcome, as are family members, friends, and caregivers of those experiencing Parkinson’s or other motor system disorders.
Oberheim will use her experience and training in neurologic dance movement therapy to guide exercises that warm up the joints and the body, accompanied by fun music and using colorful scarves that enhance the flow of the movement and use fine motor and gross motor skills.
Oberheim, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with dance concentration from Colby-Sawyer College and a graduate degree in Dance Movement Therapy from Antioch New England. She has advanced training in neurologic dance movement therapy with expertise in helping older adults cope with the effects of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
“This is a fun and interactive class with plenty of laughing and individual attention to meet the needs of changing bodies,” said Oberheim. “We’ll play a lot of favorite songs, make some new friends, and come out smiling – the focus is on physical wellness, but the benefits are emotional and social, too.”
The five-week “Movement and Song for Parkinson’s” course meets Tuesdays from 1 to 2:15 p.m., from Feb. 18 to March 17. Tuition is $60.
Additional new mini-courses and workshops, such as Alexander Technique, will be offered in the months to come.
For more information or to register for a Music School program, please call 228-1196 or visit ccmusicschool.org.