Drum Circles Near Me? Top Answer Update

RCM notes that drumming has a positive impact on mental health

Monday March 21, 2016

Research from the Royal College of Music found that drumming has a positive impact on mental health, with a 10-week group drumming program reducing depression by up to 38% and anxiety by 20%.

A preliminary study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics and a controlled study published in PLOS ONE also found that a 10-week group drumming program can improve social resilience by 23% and mental well-being by 16%.

The study, conducted in two studies among 76 mental health service users in London, included participants who took part in 6- and 10-week programs of group drumming workshops led by a professional drummer and led by students from the Royal College of Music were supported. Participants completed validated questionnaires measuring depression, anxiety, stress and psychological well-being, and saliva samples were analyzed to test their biological responses. The research is the first of its kind to bring together psychological and biological findings to paint a more complete picture of how music-making benefits mental health service users. The benefits were still evident three months later, suggesting that drumming could be an economical yet effective intervention for users of mental health services.

Research over the past two decades has shown that many mental illnesses, including depression, are linked to inflammation in the immune system. Analyzes of immune function from saliva analyzes in research indicated that tumbling was also associated with a shift away from an inflammatory immune profile; a result parallel to results from studies with antidepressants and psychotherapies.

Aaron Williamon, Professor of Performance Science at the Royal College of Music, commented: “Research on the psychological and biological benefits of psychosocial interventions in conditions such as anxiety and depression has increased significantly over the past decade. Our study shows that making music can be a powerful tool to promote mental health and contributes to a broader evidence base around music and well-being.”

The Royal College of Music study was the first project of the new Center for Performance Science, a partnership between the Royal College of Music and Imperial College London, and was carried out as part of Creative Practice as Mutual Recovery, a project funded by UK Arts and Humanities Research Council.

For more information see our press release.

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BY DEBORAH ANN TRIPOLDI

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Both women and men dragged huge drums behind them and walked up the ramp into a church on a Sunday afternoon. Richard Reiter, Emmy-winning composer, jazz musician, and certified music teacher, leads spiritual drum circle workshops at the Shrine of First Congregational Church in Montclair, part of the Outpost in the Burbs series. Over a dozen people from across New Jersey attended the March 25 drum circle. Weehawken’s Dana McCurdy said he drove an hour and a half to a drum circle.

“Something will happen,” says Reiter. “Honor the pulse, you honor one another.”

According to Reiter, spiritual drumming is not necessarily religious.

“Something about the steady pulse — it’s a gift from the deepest thing you believe in — religious belief or nature,” he says.

Drummer Dana McCurdy of Weehawken, left, tries out Richard Reiter’s (centre) Dunun drums. DEBORAH ANN TRIPOLDI/STAFF loading…

He said spiritualism is different for everyone: “You could be an atheist, it could be love or happiness. It is not religious, you can relate it to your religion or other beliefs. The steady pulse can work on us by bringing about this amazing spiritual sense of peace that is connected to the world and to each other,” says Reiter.

Relax into the pulse, he advises. It’s not quite like dancing or tapping your feet. Common drumming is foreign to most.

“Pulse is a very deep thing when we do it together. It’s really something because you can get into that steady pulse, it can really hit you and it could get really deep because we’re doing it together, that’s the big element that we’re doing together,” he says.

Two contestants, Tommy “Purple” Hayes from Saddle Brook and Wanda Ashbrook from Fair Lawn, stand up and dance with a drum and shakers.

Drumming can be meditative in a way. “The joy of this experience is that we’re going on a little journey,” he says.

The biggest challenge is not worrying if you’re good at drumming. “It can take a while for most people to relax and just drum – it’s not a difficult technique. For me it’s a very spiritual thing, it’s not about chops and techniques,” he says. “This is a drum circle and drum circles are literally about having fun, not following any tradition. It’s just fun with the rhythm. Do whatever you want, it’s a drum circle… just have a great time.”

Drums Rider drums and other percussion instruments such as rattles, tambourines and shakers for all to use during the workshops. DEBORAH ANN TRIPOLDI/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER loading…

Reiter brings a tub full of percussion instruments like rattles, tambourines and shakers and a selection of drums including children’s drums

Djembe drums and a couple of Meinl aluminum Darbuka drums in all his workshops for those who don’t have a drum and want to try something different.

Before the group starts drumming, a beginner rider demonstrates how to hit the drum.

“Don’t let the size of the drum fool you,” he says, showing the power behind a snare drum.

The workshops are not just for beginners. Many of those present have their own drums and are experienced. If something isn’t working well, try it anyway or try a different one, he says.

“It’s more pulse-oriented,” he says as he shows participants how to place a steady pulse and alternate hands. The drumming gets louder as he begins to move his hands around the drum. “It’s great when you get the pulse. When we cook and have our finger on the pulse together, 45 minutes go by and you don’t know what happened,” says Reiter. “We’re just trying to keep our pulse high.”

Rider sometimes quickens his beat while everyone is busy with the pulse. “One of the fun things about accelerating is that you deal with what’s happening,” he says.

Drums Richard Reiter introduces the participants to a spiritual drum circle workshop. DEBORAH ANN TRIPOLDI/STAFF loading…

Reiter emphasizes the drum call when he is about to end a drum session. “If you’re not bamming [sic], you’re not slamming,” he said.

The drum call, he explains, is a rhythm where everyone plays the same rhythm. Traditionally it’s used to start the drumming or something like change the tempo or beat and end the drumming with a big slam. “They all play three or four different parts, on the call they all play the same thing,” he says.

Anyone can take part in Reiter’s drum circles. They are for every age group. “The idea of ​​age does not exist here. Just have a good time,” says Reiter.

The annual Drums From Heaven benefit at Saddle Brook, hosted by Haze, will be held on April 22nd. There will be live movement belly dancers and prizes. For more information, visit Drums From Heaven on Facebook.

Spiritual drum workshops

Sundays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m

Upcoming dates: April 8th, May 20th, June 24th

The workshops take place eight months a year: September-December and March-June.

Visit richardreiter.com or outpostintheburbs.org

Drumming is a challenging workout that can burn hundreds of calories. Credit: Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

Playing drums in a band is a way to show off your musical skills, meet new people, and occasionally travel. But as drummers keep the beat behind their kit, they also burn calories at an increased rate. While few people take up drumming to lose weight, playing this instrument can burn off enough calories to keep you in shape.

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Pound off the calories

The constant movement of your upper and lower body required to play the drums results in a steady burn of calories during the activity. According to data from CalorieLab, a person who weighs 185 pounds burns about 252 calories during a one-hour drumming session.

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A quick beat and heart rate

If you’ve been impressed with the workout you’re experiencing while drumming, you’re not alone. A Chichester University study, cited in a 2008 BBC article, found that drummers can increase their heart rate to as high as 190 beats per minute, which is comparable to the highest heart rate experienced by many top athletes while playing their sport . The study found that drummers must have top stamina to perform.

Anyone who’s ever been in a band will tell you the same thing – drummer, man. It doesn’t matter how talented or trained they are, it can feel impossible at times to master these fills and try to keep the drummer on track, which makes most musicians feel that drummers are a totally… are of a different race.

Turns out that’s probably true, just not in the way you might think. According to a Swedish study, drummers’ brains work differently than most, but not because they’re stubborn or unpredictable. According to the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, drummers have uncanny problem-solving skills, a correlation between the parts of the brain responsible for problem-solving and rhythmic timing.

The drummers were told to play a steady beat while solving a 60-question intelligence test, and those who had the best answers also kept the beat on tempo.

“The rhythmic accuracy of brain activity observed when a person maintains a steady beat is also important for the problem-solving skills measured by the intelligence tests,” Professor Frederic Ullen told the Telegraph.

Rhythms of the Drum provides a hands-on, fun, and easy learning environment for discovering the joys of different drum rhythms. The DVD aims to allow individuals to put their worries aside for a while and join in the fun. No experience is required to embark on this exciting and compelling experience.

by Fran Azzarto

It’s common for drummers to be curious about hand drums and eventually decide to buy their first set of bongos…or would congas be better…or maybe a djembe?

Modern Drummer’s sister publication, Drum Business, recently published an article alerting retailers to current hand drum trends, and much of what was covered in that article would also be helpful to kit players looking to expand their skills . DB originally enlisted the help of Victor Filonovich at Toca Percussion, Glen Caruba at Pearl, Quincy Yu at Tycoon, Sue Kincade at Remo, and Chris Brewer at Meinl, and we will examine and apply some of these experts’ testimonies in the original article the needs of the novice player.

First, here is a basic list of primary hand drums from different regions and countries.

Africa: Djembe (large goblet shape)

Brazil: Pandeiro (frame drum with metal jingles, similar to a tambourine)

Cuba: Conga (tall and narrow) and Bongos (set of two small drums)

India: Tabla (set consisting of a small wooden drum and a larger metal drum)

Ireland: Bodhran (round frame drum)

Japan: Taiko (many variations of large kettle drums)

Middle East: Doumbek (small goblet shape)

North America: tire drum (round frame drum)

Peru: Cajon (wooden box)

Thailand: klong yao (long goblet shape)

That’s a lot of drums to choose from, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Pearl’s Glenn Caruba suggests that the cajon might be the ideal entry point for set players looking to expand their percussive palette. “The cajon has multiple frequencies that emulate the sound of a drum kit,” he explains, “and it’s very easy to play and mic.”

Meinl’s Chris Brewer agrees. “Cajons are our best-selling hand drums because they’re such a versatile instrument and they’re just so fun to play,” he says. “The cajon can be used in so many different styles of music and line-ups, and it’s easy to play for beginners and novices alike.”

Toca’s best-selling hand drum is the djembe. “We have both lightweight and traditional style djembes,” says Victor Filonovich, “and our djembes are priced to fit any budget, from budget to premium models.”

“Remo’s key-tuned djembe was a huge hit,” agrees Sue Kincade. “With features like portability, tunability, durability, and playability, it’s [a great] choice for professionals, educators, and recreational drummers for all drumming pursuits.”

Tycoon has also had a lot of success with its cajons and djembes. “Right now, our best-selling hand drum would be our Supremo series cajon,” says Quincy Yu. “That’s partly because cajons in general are one of the fastest growing markets in the percussion world. The other part is that cajons are affordable and durable instruments that can be used in so many different ways. Djembes have a similar ability in that they can find their way to blend into music from around the world. Naturally, the broader the range of an instrument, the more styles it could find to be a part of.”

Congas may not produce as low frequencies as djembes, but they do cross genres of music fairly easily. Bongos can also work well in many environments. “Congas, bongos and djembes can be played in any genre of music,” says Brewer. “But some of that depends on how adventurous the user is within the style he or she is playing.”

Here’s a breakdown of the basic tones of cajons, djembes, and congas:

Cajon: moderate low-end, woody mids, biting highs

Djembe: big bass, warm mids, high-end “pop”

Conga: moderate lows, warm mids, high-end “slap”

Like modern drum kits, today’s hand drums come in a variety of materials that may influence your preference for one instrument over another. “Natural products enable natural sounds,” says Filonovich. “Furthermore, natural products capture the beautiful elements of wood. With a wooden conga, bongo or djembe, for example, you can see the natural beauty of the wood grain.”

“Natural materials are great because they’re safe, proven, and very durable,” Yu adds. “The process of making wooden congas, bongos and cajons is pretty well established. Of course, the different techniques of each manufacturer make it unique.”

Synthetic materials have their own advantages. Caruba believes they “produce brighter tones, are less affected by climate variability, and are kinder to the planet.” Brewer points to the visual, sonic, and economic benefits of synthetic instruments. “The use of artificial materials opens the door to new and exciting possibilities in unique sounds and appearances,” he says. “Synthetic materials are not only weather resistant, but in some cases they can give us cheaper options.”

Remo offers drums with lightweight synthetic Acousticon shells; The company’s Mondo synthetic drumheads offer additional benefits. “Weatherproof and durable synthetic drumheads produce deep bass and sharp slaps in all weather conditions,” explains Kincade. “They stay in the mood longer and are easy to care for.”

The characteristics of natural versus synthetic construction are generally as follows:

Natural materials: warm, round tones, mood influenced by climate changes, less durable

Synthetic materials: bright, sharp tones, less affected by climate changes, very durable

For individuals looking to buy a hand drum for a young or beginning drummer, djembes, congas, and cajons may be your best choices. According to Filonovich, “A djembe is very user-friendly because it can be played in different musical styles and is very easy to learn.” Kincade adds: “Mondo djembes are very popular, light and portable. They are durable, wearable, tunable and playable.”

Caruba chooses the cajon because it’s “easy to play and a drummer can quickly identify with the kick/snare/hi-hat drumset patterns that can be emulated.” It also serves as a throne.” Similarly, Brewer favors cajons. “They’re fun and easy to play,” he says, “even without a proper musical background or lessons. Through its basses and slaps, a cajon allows the player to create a variety of beats and sounds.” Yu finds that “congas, bongos, and djembes are great for beginners. Learning congas or djembe teaches a player to achieve three different sounds – open tone, bass tone and slap tone.”

Answering a few simple questions could help you make a decision: what kind of music do you want to use the drum for? what is your price range What materials would you prefer your drum to be made of? Once you’ve narrowed down the options, head down to your local drum store and try out a few different models to see which one feels the best. Much luck!

And be sure to check out our other features you need to know here.

Of all the decisions to make when choosing a drum, the type of drum head can be one of the most important factors to consider. Hand drums and percussion instruments are made using a variety of methods, but there are usually two choices for a drumhead: animal skin or synthetic. The choice isn’t just a question of the sound of the drum, but its overall durability and maintenance… as well as some ethical considerations.

Animal skins are made from the skins of goats, cows and other livestock. Some drums are made with the imported skins of animals native to their origin, such as B. the goatskin of a djembe, which gives the drum an authentic look, feel and sound. The tone of an animal skin head is warmer than that of a synthetic head, and many prefer this over the sound of a synthetic head. In terms of maintenance and durability, an animal skin hide requires more frequent tuning than a synthetic hide and is much more susceptible to moisture and other elements.

Synthetic drumheads are found on all types of hand drums and percussion instruments. Bongos, congas and djembes are all made with synthetic drum heads, as are more traditional drums such as timpani or standard drums (neither of which have an animal skin option, of course). Synthetic drumheads are easier to care for than animal skin heads and have a consistent tone across drums of a similar style and size that can best be described as being clearer than the warm tone of an animal skin head. With these skins it is also possible to create a unique high-end hit sound on the edge. Synthetic pelts are also a choice for those opposed to the use of animal products, and can outlast animal skin pelts for years.

Whether a drummer prefers a synthetic head to an animal skin head, the rhythms will continue to captivate audiences and be a source of artistry, creativity and entertainment for years to come.

Drums can imitate speech, give battle commands, keep the rhythm in a jazz performance, or invite friends to a gathering. Made from natural or synthetic materials, they can be as simple in shape as a hollowed-out tree trunk or as striking as a glittery red noose in a 16-piece kit.

The drum is one of the oldest means of communication. It was used for two-way communication long before the advent of the telephone, sending an instant message to anyone who can hear it.

The drum as a circle

For Native Americans in modern-day British Columbia, drums are more than a means of communication and a musical instrument; they are tools for a lifelong connection and relationship with all living beings and the Creator.

Many BC First Nations drum teachings use the circle to represent balance and equality, wholeness and connection. The circle is unbroken and consists of equal, connected and infinite points. The Creator is the center around which all living beings, including human beings, sit. Every animal, plant and human being is equidistant from this center and has a unique and direct connection to it. The drum expresses our connection to all creation when we drum and strengthens our connection to one another when we drum together.

Circle drums are made by stretching an animal hide over a wooden frame, which can be small enough to fit in a child’s hand or large enough to hold a host drum of six at the powwow. There are also different traditions. For example, the Tsimshian and Kwakwaka’wakw also build and play box drums, which are rectangular.

drum give away

Drums can be used at the beginning of an important meeting to pray for a job well done, or at the end of an event to pray for attendees to travel home safely. There are songs for water keepers and women; travel and hunt. There are welcome songs played for the public and private songs that can only be sung by the owner. Drums are also important in traditional indigenous gift giving.

How you receive your drum—whether you make it, buy it, or get it as a gift—is one of the things that gives your drum its unique voice in the world. Drum building takes time, patience and natural resources. It is a symbol of connection and relationship with everyone. Drums are often given as a thank you for a job well done, or as a recognition of an important relationship or time in someone’s life. If you are attending a workshop, remember that many First Nations cultures across British Columbia encourage learners to gift their first creation if they are new to a traditional craft.

Drum building – exchange with visitors

The sharing of traditional knowledge, including drumming and drum making, occurs through the transmission of teachings from the knowledge keeper to the learner.

Drum building workshops last from one to four days depending on how much work has already been done for you. While drums can go undecorated, most are decorated in a way that is meaningful to the maker and draws on the traditions and materials of the artist community.

If you decide to make a drum, chances are the skin you’ll use will already have been harvested, soaked, scraped, and tanned. You will still be able to smell the deer and cedar as you turn it into a drum with your own hands and creativity. What is taught depends on who the teacher is; What is learned depends on who the learner is. The Drum’s teachings never end.

Where you can build your own drum

Haida Heritage Center in Kay Llnagaay, Haida Gwaii

Quaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort, Chase

Musqueam Cultural Center, Vancouver

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler

k’awat’si Tours, Port Hardy

Where can you buy a drum

Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Osoyoos

Cheryl’s Trading Post, White Rock

Ruby Creek Art Gallery, Agassiz

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler

U’mista Cultural Center, Alert Bay

The importance of the drum circle

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11/24/2020

Tachini drums

Drums are important to Native American culture. The beating of a drum resembles the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The sound is said to improve people’s spirits, restore balance, promote healing and connect with the spirits.

For similar reasons, drum circles play a significant role in Native American culture and ceremonies. They can be a fun pastime or intended as a means of spiritual guidance. If you want to learn more about the importance of the drum circle in Native American culture, read on.

What are drum circles?

A drum circle is a gathering of people who play hand drums and other percussion instruments while standing or seated in a circular formation. The gathering can range from a handful of players to thousands of participants and usually includes people of all ages and genders. No previous knowledge is necessary. Drum circles can happen anywhere. You can see her indoors, at a holistic fair, or outdoors at a powwow.

The types of drum circles

There are two main types of drum circles: community and facilitated. Community drums is a completely free form. It is open to the public and is usually improvised on site. Ease drumming is another form of group drumming. In this style, there is a leader, often referred to as a facilitator or conductor, who directs the entire process.

What instruments can you use?

While the main instrument in drumming circles is the hand drum, other percussion instruments such as rattles, bells, or other types of drums are also common. Bongos, guiros, maracas, talking drums, taikos and so on are welcome in drumming ceremonies. The Native American frame drum, often used when traveling, is a popular choice. At powwows, people gather around a large central drum called the guest drum. Powwow drums are larger than other drum types and can be played by more than one person at a time.

Shamanic drumming

It is important to understand the importance of the drum circle in shamanic healing and journeying. While drum circles have evolved into a fun cultural activity, they still retain some of their spiritual roots. One form of drum circle, the shamanic drum circle, focuses on drums and rattles of Native American culture. Rather than the musical aspects of the culture, it focuses on the spiritual.

The shamanic drumming circle is a facilitated circle, but instead of facilitating a musical event, the leader facilitates a shamanic journey. The drumming, considered a form of prayer or trance induction, is simple. The steady beat of the drum acts as a “lifeline” that helps participants return to their ordinary consciousness.

Tachini Drums offers high quality, authentic Native American hand drums for sale that are perfect for bringing to one of your local drum circles or for starting your own drum circle.

Drum Circles are groups of people who practice and play percussion instruments (usually drums) together while networking. This therapy may also include bells, shakers, woodlocks, tambourines, and/or other hand percussion instruments. It is considered a form of experiential therapy. Drumming is not a new technique as the therapy draws on ancient cultures and customs. And now it’s helping people overcome addiction.

Drumming is an art common to many different cultures for different purposes. It can be seen as a way of expressing the self, of expressing one’s feelings. At the same time, it is also an effective way to not concentrate on your own thoughts. The tradition is often used as a rite for emotional and spiritual experiences. When a person drums, they focus on and give full attention to the rhythms they are producing and hearing.

Do you need experience to be in a drum circle?

You don’t have to be an expert or musician to participate in a drum circle session, or even have any previous experience. Anyone can try it, just knowing the basics and being guided by the rhythm of the chosen song. A drum circle differs from a professional group, which aims to practice until all parts are perfect. The ultimate goal is the journey, healing and connections between patients to achieve a shared group spirit.

Each person will have their own instrument and they should use it as they prefer. How the rhythm of a song is felt is different for everyone. Some may be better at following the beat, others are mostly guided by the melody. As each individual has their own perception and expression, the group will slowly harmonize and become one sound.

The Benefits of Drum Circle Leadership Participating in drum circle therapy can help in many different ways – not just mentally. The therapeutic effects of drum circles are undeniable, but there are also physical reactions triggered by the drumming. Addiction is physical, mental and emotional, so it needs to be addressed accordingly. Drumming can address multiple aspects of recovery, making it a great addition to any treatment plan. Several studies have been conducted on how drum circles affect the recovery process in addiction treatment. Both the musical aspect and the actual drumming exercise bring benefits to the patient. There are many different ways to do this, some of which include: reducing stress through relaxation and improving well-being. The constant, repetitive rhythm can push the mind to unravel confusing thoughts and intense emotions.

The constant, repetitive rhythm can push the mind to unravel confusing thoughts and intense emotions. Stimulates the release of endorphins and endogenous opioid peptides that are normally released when listening and making music. These hormones and neurotransmitters are directly linked to feelings of pleasure and happiness. They help the body tolerate pain better and feel more relaxed.

, which is normally released when listening and making music. These hormones and neurotransmitters are directly linked to feelings of pleasure and happiness. They help the body tolerate pain better and feel more relaxed. Strengthening of the immune system in general. Feeling and following a rhythm helps balance the body’s cyclical flow. It can also decrease the effects of stress hormones in the nervous system due to relaxation. Since stress lowers resistance and impairs the immune system, drumming can prevent just that.

. Feeling and following a rhythm helps balance the body’s cyclical flow. It can also decrease the effects of stress hormones in the nervous system due to relaxation. Since stress lowers resistance and impairs the immune system, drumming can prevent just that. A study from Stanford University School of Medicine states that drumming helps cope with depression. Drummers reported feeling less depressed after beginning weekly music therapy. This can be attributed to how it reduces anxiety and stress, and how it is the perfect opportunity to unleash a lot of creativity to feel good.

. Drummers reported feeling less depressed after beginning weekly music therapy. This can be attributed to how it reduces anxiety and stress, and how it is the perfect opportunity to unleash a lot of creativity to feel good. Working on social skills and human bonding that are essential during the recovery process. Bonding with others helps avoid feelings of loneliness and isolation, both of which can trigger relapse. A sense of belonging to a community can add more meaning to one’s life. Social circles change once someone has to adopt a sober lifestyle, and drumming circles are a great opportunity to meet people with similar lifestyles.

Tips to improve your Drum Circle experience

Some people may feel like they have problems even after going to a few sessions. First of all, you should know that this is completely normal. While some people feel at home on the first try, for some it may take a while to settle in. Respect your process and be patient, it may take a few tries to find your sweet spot.

However, there are some ways to enhance the experience and make your customization easier. To get into the right mindset, you must understand the practice and let go of your vigilance.

Musical Tips Listen before you play. You should be guided by the rhythm and what it is. You can start by listening to how people more familiar with drum circles do and follow their lead.

Don’t get caught up in mistakes or mistakes you think you’ve made. People won’t hear a single mistake!

The focus should be on the group sound in general, so don’t try to play louder than everyone else. And unless you’re facilitating or guiding, don’t try to pick up the tempo yourself by playing faster.

If you get lost, the main pulse (called the downbeat) can help you find your rhythm again so you can jump back in.

If you need to stop briefly to listen, it’s okay not to drum or play for a few beats. Trying to go with the flow should be the first alternative, but stopping a bit might help more.

Dancing while playing is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged! In fact, if you somehow feel the urge to focus on dancing for a while, do it. It’s a way of feeling the rhythm and letting it work through you, it’s as valid as playing.

Emotional and Mental Tips Be sure to keep a positive attitude. It may sound strange now, but one person’s attitude can affect the group and the session itself. Even if you are shy or keep to yourself, try to be positive and kind to others.

Relaxation is important when you start the session. Try doing some breathing exercises beforehand to clear your mind of your worries as much as possible.

Focus on how you want to express yourself, not what others might think or expect. Everyone feels and expresses themselves differently, there is no standard.

Accept that every session and every group is different – that’s the whole point! Being open to different ideas and styles can be very beneficial and applies to life in general.

Think of things you’re grateful for if it helps – including the drum circle session. Being able to soak up that energy, meeting people, and helping others heal are all things to be thankful for.

Open yourself to the energy or mood of the group. Instead of overthinking all your moves, try to pay attention to the feeling. Feel the beat of the group to know what to do.

Social Tips Leave some distance between you and the people around you. This is important so that you can express yourself freely (and safely) while playing. Also, you don’t know how comfortable they are with closeness.

If possible, turn off your phone during your session. It can be incredibly disruptive to both others and you. Putting it to sleep may help others, but it may not be enough to help you focus.

Staying after the session can be a great opportunity to socialize. You and others might even try to go somewhere else afterwards to get to know each other better.

Some people may have their own way of warming up and getting ready before a session. If you want to address them before a class, make sure you don’t interrupt them.

Understand that each person has and participates at their own pace, and respect that. They may be struggling with symptoms or disabilities, so their approach may be different from yours – but that doesn’t make them wrong.

Some classes allow the presence of children and/or teenagers. If you want to bring them with you, make sure you watch them. They can help the group grow, but they can also be disruptive, so be aware.

Start getting better today with Footprints To Recovery

Healing and overcoming addiction can be done through many avenues and techniques. A basic program includes detoxification, substance treatment and aftercare. Therapies such as drum circles and others are intended to deepen and complete these programs. That’s why at Footprints to Recovery we offer drum circles and many other forms of alternative therapies.

Our programs explore science-based techniques and therapies tailored to meet every need. We constantly update and adapt our methods to current knowledge and studies in order to be as precise and comprehensive as possible.

If you or a loved one are looking for a program that goes beyond traditional therapy, contact us today. Our team can provide you with all the information you need and answer all your questions. Choosing the right program is important, and we hope to help you choose the program that will help you achieve a sober, healthier lifestyle.

By: Arthur Hull

The Community Drum Circle, in the context of how we use it in our non-professional hand drum culture, is the most basic and simple use of the drum and rhythm. It is the use of a rhythm based event as a tool for unity. A community drum circle in the United States is a loud and fun, family-friendly event where people come together to share their spirit by pounding away rhythmically as a percussion ensemble. They encourage each other to celebrate community and life through rhythm and music. People of all musical experience levels come together and share their rhythmic spirit with whatever drums and percussion they bring to the event. Everyone who comes and participates has something to offer the circle, and everyone is welcome.

The spirit and magic of rhythm expressed on drums and percussion permeates all ages, genders, religions, races and cultures. “Rhythm”, as Gabriel Roth says, “is the mother tongue”. Rhythm is a universal language known to everyone, even the youngest child, if we can only “remember”. An interactive rhythm event puts us on an equal footing and closer together in a very matter-of-fact but beautiful way.

Cooperation and collaboration are the basic glue of a community. A community drum circle is a collaborative self-organized music event created “in the moment” by all the people who participate. When we drum together as a community and share our spirit in the form of rhythm, it changes our relationships for the better. As we play together we give ourselves a rhythmic massage, an emotional release and healing. The release and healing is different for each person in the rhythm circle, and it happens whether we pull ourselves into the circle by drumming or stand outside the circle and listen while tapping our feet and clapping to the music. To make beautiful music together with rhythm instruments, we just have to bring all our rhythmic expertise to the circle, along with the enthusiasm to share it with other people.

People of all musical experience levels come together in a community drum circle and share their rhythmic spirit with whatever drums and percussion they bring to the event. You don’t have to be a drummer to join. You don’t even have to have a drum. You can play an upside down plastic water bottle with the neck cut off. You can shake a soda can with rocks in it or bang two sticks together. It is enough that they are in the circle and participate.

The quality of the music produced at such an event is not based on the players’ rhythmic expertise, but on the quality of their relationship with the other people in the circle. The result is those magical musical moments where a powerful voice emerges from many. In those moments, players stop worrying about keeping time because time as they know it has stopped. In its place is a living, breathing being expressing timeless joy, passion and liberation through the power of rhythm.

That’s the beauty of a community drum circle.

Copyright © by Arthur Hull

Arthur Hull’s website http://www.drumcircle.com/