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Tremble Clefs Arizona

Therapeutic singing and music therapy for people living with Parkinson's disease
The Tremble Clefs Arizona choir seated together in performance dress

About the Organization

Tremble Clefs Arizona is a therapeutic singing group for individuals living with Parkinson's disease, their care partners and their family members. Rather than a performance choir that happens to include people with Parkinson's, it is a music therapy program: every session is built around interventions chosen for what Parkinson's does to the voice, the breath, movement and mood.

The program has been directed since 2008 by Sun Joo Lee, PhD, MT-BC, a board-certified music therapist whose research focuses on therapeutic group singing for people with neurological conditions. Choirs meet in person across the Phoenix area, and free online sessions run every week — including a program created specifically for caregivers.

Tremble Clefs Arizona is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity. Its Arizona QCO code is 22218, which means donations may qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.

Read our blog post about the Tremble Clefs

Why Singing Helps

Singing asks the body to do several things Parkinson's makes harder — all at the same time, and set to a rhythm.

Voice & speech

Parkinson's often makes the voice quieter and harder to control. Singing works the same muscles used for speaking, in a setting that rewards volume.

Breath support

Guided breathing exercises and sustained singing build the breath control that carries a stronger, steadier speaking voice.

Movement

Movement-based exercises set to music use rhythm as a cue, which can help with timing, coordination and initiating motion.

Mood & cognition

Music engages memory, attention and emotion at once, and group sessions give people something to look forward to each week.

Social connection

Sessions bring together people with Parkinson's, care partners and family members who understand what the diagnosis is like.

Care partners included

Care partners are welcome in the choirs, and a separate caregiver program gives them education and support of their own.

Free Online Programs

Both online programs are supported by a Community Grant from the Parkinson's Foundation, are offered free of charge, and require no musical background at all.

Online Music Therapy Program

Weekly on Mondays, over Zoom Free · No musical background necessary

Tremble Clefs' online music therapy program provides evidence-based interventions designed to address the complex needs associated with Parkinson's — including voice and speech difficulties, mood, and social connection — with the goal of improving overall quality of life. Sessions take place in a supportive and engaging group environment.

Guided breathing techniques

Structured breathing work that builds the breath support behind a stronger speaking voice.

Vocal exercises

Targeted warm-ups and drills for volume, pitch range and clarity of speech.

Therapeutic singing

Group singing used as the primary intervention, adapted so everyone can take part at their level.

Movement-based exercises

Music-paced movement that uses rhythm as a cue for timing and coordination.

Download the program flyer (PDF)

Caregiver Education & Support Program

Twice a month, over Zoom Free · No musical background required

This program empowers care partners with music therapy-based education, practical caregiving strategies, wellness activities and peer support. Caregivers learn hands-on caregiving skills and music-based activities to share with their loved ones, enhancing care at home and improving quality of life.

Education & discussion

Share experiences, learn practical caregiving strategies, and connect with other care partners.

Music therapy strategies

Learn singing and music activities that support communication, movement, cognition, emotional well-being and connection at home.

Interdisciplinary education

Gain practical, evidence-based strategies from rehabilitation and wellness professionals.

Caregiver wellness

Practice music-assisted meditation, breathing exercises and other wellness activities to reduce stress and promote self-care.

Reflection & peer support

Ask questions, exchange ideas, and receive encouragement in a supportive community.

Download the program flyer (PDF)

Where the Groups Meet

In-person choirs meet throughout the Phoenix area, and additional groups meet online. Contact the group leader directly to join or to ask about visiting a session first.

Original Tremble Clefs

Location: Granite Reef Senior Center — 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Format: In person

Meets: Thursdays, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $5 suggested donation per session

George Eckenrode

gethap2@gmail.com

West Side Tremble Clefs

Location: Shepherd of the Desert Evangelical Lutheran Church — 11025 N. 111th Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351

Format: In person

Meets: Wednesdays, 9:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Cost: $5 suggested donation per session

Sue Friess

suefriess@outlook.com

Mesa / Sun Lakes Tremble Clefs

Location: Venture Out RV Resort — 5001 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85205

Format: In person · Seasonal

Meets: Mondays, November – March, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Merri Zohar

bkg888@gmail.com

Sun Lakes Tremble Clefs

Location: First Baptist Church Sun Lakes — 9535 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Format: In person

Meets: 1st and 3rd Thursday monthly, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Cost: $5 suggested donation per session

Carolyn Perkins

carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com

Korean-Language Music Therapy

Format: Online (Zoom)

Meets: Three times monthly

Cost: Free

Sessions are led in Korean. A Korean-language caregiver program is also offered.

Jihyeon Ryu

jihyeonryu.music@gmail.com

480-205-8073

Get in Touch

Photo of Sun Joo Lee, PhD, MT-BC

Sun Joo Lee, PhD, MT-BC

Music Director, Tremble Clefs Arizona

Sun Joo Lee is a board-certified music therapist and neurologic music therapist who has directed Tremble Clefs Arizona since 2008. She earned her master's in voice performance at Arizona State University alongside a second major in music therapy, and went on to found Tremble Clefs Iowa during her doctoral studies. Her research focuses on therapeutic group singing for people with neurological conditions, and she is also the founder of Sunshine Music Therapy, LLC.

ssoli96@hotmail.com 480-274-3206

Visit Tremble Clefs Arizona

Their website has the full schedule, upcoming concerts, videos of the choirs, and information on donating directly to the organization.

trembleclefsarizona.org

We Need Your Support

Please consider giving to PD Care Connection. Your donations help to empower and enrich the lives of those with Parkinson's and their families

Donate

PD Care Connection is a Qualifying Charitable Organization (“QCO”) for Arizona income tax purposes for 2025. Donations will qualify for a credit against your Arizona Income taxes. If you file your taxes as married filing jointly, your credit is limited to $987 and your limit is $495 if you file your taxes single, married filing separate or head of the household.

Click here to learn more. QCO #22695

Checks can be sent to PD Care Connection, 6545 East Larkspur Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85254

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