mrrzy, I just saw this post, (we've got to stop meeting this way *BG*). I mentioned my MS in another thread, you asked if I were doing OK...YES, and thanks.

MS randomly affects the nerve coverings in the central nervous system, so individual persons have widely differing symptoms. I mentioned that I've lost quick repetitive movements in my hands which hinders my ability to play ragtime piano. But you asked about your friend and his inability to sing fast patter songs. I also have speech and swallowing problems which I think are a combination of nerve damage in the coordination part of the brain (cerebellum and nerve tracts leading to and from it) and muscle atrophy due to just not being able to send messages to certain muscles. The muscles involved in speech are quite extensive. Then if you take into account the vocal chords you'll see why singing is so complex. Alice has provided lots of links to the singing voice, and some are quite good. I think the one to a clinic at Wake Forrest is one that may interest your friend. Unfortunately, most doctors I've seen (and there have been a lot) wait until the symptoms are very evident before they even consider them. Ten years before I was diagnosed, I noticed I couldn't say "World War One" or "Where were we" quickly. Being a piano player, I could actually measure the loss in speed of playing quick repetitive notes. But it's hard to get a doctor to understand much less believe such a "subjective" observation.

So, if your friend is concerned enough to pursue it, I would recommend getting all the info and then finding a good doctor who would work with him. Unfortunately, that's nearly impossible, especially if he's limited financially or geographically. He probably doesn't want just an explanation of his deficiency, but would like to know if there's any therapy which can help. Unfortunately again, this is uncharted territory. I've managed to get more information from various therapists than doctors. Keep me posted and let me know if I can provide more info or links. Does anyone know of a speech therapist who is a singer?