In this article, I will discuss the importance of a drummer's impact on an ensemble and how having a musical approach can affect performance or recording. I have had a rough year, lost my job, death of a pet, family problems, car accident and some other minor issues. Our community of drummers & dancers have grown now to crowds of up to 200 over the 10 years of existence. Its wonderful to see a respected medical professional advocate drumming! My original facilitator also taught us Afro-Cuban rhythms which I love. Daihachi Oguchi, the founder of Osuwa Daiko, created the Kumi-Daiko style in 1951. It doesnt surprise me that this trend has come around now and is especially popular with women because drums put us in synch with Mother Earth. That was when god gave me a coach! I am a 65-year old guy with Parkinsons Disease who loves to drum. We integrate some African rhythms with a lot of improvisation and creative expression through the drums and dancing. I recently moved to the United States, between Detroit and Port Huron Michigan. Boosted immune system and more positive emotions. You strike me as someone who will not give up!!! For people with larger hands or a larger frame, Id go with a drum with a 14 head. It means your muscles are getting stronger. Its awesome and one of my absolute favorite things in life. I am a drummer for horses and an equine reiki healer. I do have a music and dance background, so drumming was not difficult for me to learn and its every bit as joyous as music and dance. I have been Drumming since I saw Ringo Starr with the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Be a global citizen. Kripalus evidence-based resilience program, RISE, is anchored in the science of mindfulness, yoga, and positive psychology. She told me that god was telling her to reach out to him. I love what I do!! Now online, Kripalu offers a variety of teacher trainings and certifications to deepen your practice and share your passion with the world. You have a wonderful sense of humor!! Required fields are marked *. While students were drumming and dancing one student asked if he wanted to say something on the mic. Thank you for popping that bubble for me. David Day, Well said! For those of us who have experienced a drum circle we know the rewarding feeling we all get when we participate. So moving reading your story ,many blessings ..Im so happy to have drumming in my life. I loved playing Rock n Roll, Heavy Metal, Punk, Classic Rockstuff like that. AND ADRENALINE BEING RELEASED!!!!! I have been a Drum Circle Facilitator for many years now and I am very excited to see that drumming has hit the mainstream globally! If you use netting, make sure it is taut and set at least 3 inches from the siding to avoid birds pecking through it. Thank you for sharing this article. 5. So cool. I first learned traditional grip and later switched to matched grip. The drum is THE universal instrument, for reasons that are both known and unknown. I cant concentrate much but by playing the drum I can sit for 2 hrs almost everyday. Yet in reality, many 55+ are feeling several of the health benefits you describe above. Sing on brotherPlay on drummer TommyPurpleHaze. When the brain changes from Beta waves (concentration) to Alpha waves, you feel calm and relaxed. Jazz is often compared to a complicated and integrated conversation between any number of musicians. Over years of practice, drummers appear to modify the way that the two sides of their brain communicate. I had no idea that there were so many different kinds of benefits to drumming, especially that while drumming you have access to your entire brain. I know of some women your age that can life 165 pounds!!! We have drum circles on my 70 acre nature retreat an hour outside St. Louis around a fire and it completely restores the soul. Hi, thanks for your wonderful article!! My oldest daughter has been looking for a hobby that she can focus on and get a break from school. The steady beat of Theta drumming is a powerful tool for brain health because, by the very nature of its constant rhythm, it permeates the entire brain, bringing both hemispheres into rhythmic balance. Answer (1 of 8): If I was on the panel and you came in and played this, I would reject you instantly. I have been in drumming circles, drummed for entertainment, and drummed for healing for the past 20 years. Research shows that the physical transmission of rhythmic energy to the brain actually synchronizes the left and right hemispheres. Its important to get the right size drum and there are videos on the X8 Drums site to help you with that. You can get in touch with us at dianayoung@youngfishschool.com or rafish@youngfishschool.com We will create a new Website soon Thank you so much for your highly informative feature on the positive empowerment people can attain from drumming, RA Fish / Bob. My business is Drum4fun.com.au 2 women run it me in my 50s and my business partner in her 60s We have been drumming for over 40 years combined. Art, Culture, and Music Therapy Teacher. And outside of them. If you need help, ask a friend expert DJEMBE tuner! And it has the possibility to benefit people with a wide range of symptoms. Veronica, registration@kripalu.org I hope you can continue to enjoy and revel in the amount of physical power that you have . We used drums to welcome folks and as a background to prayers as we scattered his ashes on the mountain and into the river. Im known as the rockin grandma by my instructor who is also in her early 60s and awesome. "Drumming is associated with a lot of energy, a lot of strength, a lot of power and a lot of masculinity," Mutua says. The healing energy is profound. Not only does Paramore speak to the apathy of the times without sweeping grief under the rug, but This Is Why finds a new . I slept so deeply after it. All rights reserved. Im excited!!!! A lot of people Ive spoken with are highly interested in drum therapy, for themselves or a loved one, including my sister, in which my nephew who is non-verbal and is on the spectrum. You would certainly be welcome, this is a group of wondrous women. level 1. as a kit player of nearly 40yrs uts really has helped me social circles have many drum friends and after a gig on z high still love the way we have ti be the rock of the vand so many jokes but the drummer is z real big cog without us they are lost studied brushes and other techniques,and now at 66 still love playing. Nothing sends out unconditional love more than that. And enjoy this service to humanity that you are providing! He heard my microphone making a little noise, I told him it was my microphone, the gym teacher asked if he wanted to go one the stage, so I took him up. I hope that this inspires you in some way. We also have a singing group specifically for Parkinsons people, so Im keeping busy. The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. He was kinda messed up BUT when she finally asked him about lessons for me (knowing he needed any extra money) that is when the magic started. I was planning a mother-daughter trip for the weekend and your article gave me an idea. More than just poses on a mat, we believe yoga is an accessible practice that inspires connection, compassion, and joy. Hurricane Katrina blasted through Louisianna and other southern states causing horrifying damage and loss of life. I havnt drank since then. Your article is a fantastic exposure of the healing power of this modality! Cheri, I want to thank you for drumming with people that have dementia and Alzheimers. Whether you're behind a drum set, hitting a djembe in a drum circle, or beating a marching band bass drum, drum therapy is a real thing. My daughter has friends that have a coffee house and my 2 friends and myself will probably play there. -focus After all, the water is playing, why shouldnt we? I added elements that are both beneficial and create the love for music. Oh this is SO GOOD!! Hard to keep your mouth in front a microphone while beating the far edges of a kit. This idea applied musically means boys are likely to be taught drums, girls are likely to be taught something "softer" like violin. Which three types of compositions were dominant in the Renaissance? During this covid crisis and feeling very tense and negative, I looked him up on youtube. Your gift helps create a more awakened, compassionate, and connected world. Ive been a drummer for my entire life, only up until three years ago, I had never actually played them. One tragedy, at least in Great Britain, is that funding for the arts is generally being cut at a time when more people need these benefits. Most of my teachers were Native Grandmothers, other Elder women, and talented men too. on heels more? the choices are as varied as people. I currently teach drums part time at the Guitar Center, play live and in sessions with many well known bay area artists, and conduct seminars on drum/percussion therapy (and play an annual concert with other doctor friends). Brilliant article and great reminder to follow the primal passion of our core. I know the healing power of drumming. However, other people who are more academic-minded will learn . One class l had set up for I was going to sing them a couple of songs while playing the drums, just to give them more inspiration on what also can be done while drumming. Primarily through the drumming of Stewart Copeland. It possesses you. ), there are huge benefits to drumming, a few of which include. I go once a week but if they offered more I would be there. And yes it is incredibly difficult. You can see and hear how hard Lars was working. Technically speaking, he wasn't very impressive at all. left. As a by product, I also experienced a feeling of wellbeing after longish sessions. A typical DRUMS from HEAVEN usually features a very entertaining interactive free style drum circle welcoming anyone to join in with no drumming experience needed. I look forward to doing more good work in the neerby communities if any are interested. African music is a total art form closely integrated with dance, gesture and dramatization. Any drum, in my humble opinion, will do. THAT IS WONDERFUL. My skills on actual drums are on par..when im beaming Im double speed but even at a normal level my hands get extremely fast but its all about the groove. The therapeutic effects of our programs touch lives on so many levels and we are blessed to drum every day. Thank you! Temple Grandin? Drumming is helping me relieve stress, focus, decrease depression & relieve pain. Brilliant. I already had 6 drums but making my own is also so wonderful! or too late now? The healing experience for the horse is an incredibly powerful and direct one. I know I have a bad posture, and I am trying to keep upright. By all means play Caravan, it is a great tune and the creative possibilities ar. Christiane. Thank you for wording so well. I go to a circle each month and I look forward to it. Good luck, Martin. This makes the kickboxing seem mild as you have to be so incredibly strong. Good on you Christine, I have quite a few of your books and love your work. I consider myself privileged to share these times. I never knew about all the wonderful things drumming can do. The Lakota prayer songs we sing are amazing and my life has been changed for the better through participating. The reiki filled drum vibration was like having an organ massage, which is what participants told me. For our final project we are to design and present our own stress reduction program. Others feel the rhythms penetrate through their bodies. Forward and/or rotated head posture is pain from the brainstem and above, or neuropathic pain. Is there a reference list for these claims? All the the best to you on your drum journey. Many provide the drums for beginners, so this wouldnt be a barrier to joining. This should not discourage anyone from drumming. Hi Martin, I just read your comment and thought maybe its time to change the type of your drum Im no specialist at all, but I started joining occasional drum-meditation-evenings, and up until then I thought drum is drum but the lady who leads the evenings explained that there are fire drums, that are mor about whats going on outside like the african drums that are very common and the shamanic drums she uses, they take you back to yourself so you are centered within yourself. Ive been playing over 20 years. Remember, you can tune your DJEMBE to boost the low tones. Keep us posted Jean. then you located primary issues that need addressing. Using my PC, a good mechanical keyboard, good quality headphones (or a good set of speakers), freely available on youtube drumless tracks of my favorite music and a program called DvDrum, I am having a blast sounding like I did with a full kit back in the day. NOT SURE. #drumsnotdrugs. Hello, i have a GOD GIVEN TALENT TO PLAY AND ENJOY THE PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT. You're not in your head . I am a 30 year veteran Afro-Cuban drum teacher. Djembe? I have also noticed that if I dont drum for a while, I get depressed. Ive been planning on a workshop where participants will be clapping, tapping, or producing sounds on any objects they feel comfortable. I thought of different ways this can be used as a teaching tool also. Many who listened to his . If you are having sleep breathing issues like hypopnea or apnea (take an oximetry test or buy a contec o2 monitor on eBay ) and have low O2 during the night the upper neck tension and jaw tension will continue, another separate conversation hope that helps as a framework for guidance. Its a more peaceful type of playing, somewhat meditating. I drum weekly with people with dementia and Alzheimers and other disabilities. Answer (1 of 19): I'm not sure, but I think it may have something to do with his energy, without which, The Who's music wouldn't have had nearly the same impact it did, neither live or on record. I have severe PTSD from the military and I am a female. We have maintained the same Native American-based drum circle in south Florida for over ten years now, as well as others. I agree that yours is most likely tensor tympani syndrome, which is like a muscle spasm in the ear. The drum has been part of my Irish culture for millennia, the sound of the drum connects us to our mothers heartbeat, her first communication with us in utero and perhaps the one we need to get back to in order to heal mother/child history. Maybe you would like to go and explore different kinds of drums, if you havent already, and have a fell, what FEELS right for now? It was confusing to some. Danyel, look on FB or google HealthRHYTHMS in your area. It sounds exactly what I need. I want to do that! I mean, who doesnt want to feel like a rock star? I am writing a dissertation on the experience of live music and its therapeutic effects. It is such an important part of my life..couldnt go without it. Thank You.*. Thank you for your contributions, I am a fan. Mostly it involves CORE STRENGTH. Ill have to look into getting her a custom drum for Christmas as a way to get started! I hope this gives you a little insight into drum therapy. On Can't Buy Me Love, Ringo's drumming is the primal force that drives the song's hormonal energy, all whipcrack snare and floor-tom bombast, wrapped up in Ringo's signature sound: . Research for the Australian International . And downright scary to others. And thank you SO much for this incredible gift to your students and to the planet. I have a brain injury from a brain tumor and late effect of epilepsy. Dear Tania, Some of us connect through drum and dance. Drummers are important in a band because they act as the timekeeper, lead many of the song transitions, and help build intensity with the volume. You can reap many of the same benefits from yoga, which is why the two are such excellent complements. Women We are trying to encourage women to drum more. for my son. I am a hospice volunteer and these are the forgotten people. I majored in music at Shepherd College and Berklee College of Music. Strutting, Spitting and Drumming Defined. Close off openings on the sides to prevent birds from becoming trapped between . There may be other known injury, these may contribute as well, and all of this may also cause a dystrophic state (kind of a neurology is in over its head so it freaks out in levels type of thing). Its a privilege to utilize my artistic and music abilities to help students. Again, I experienced such profound relaxation at this evening outing. Your use of and/or visitation to the Web site signifies your agreement to CNIs Terms of Use and CNIs Privacy Policy. http://www.marlaleigh.com, Drumming workshops for Schools, Colleges, Kindergartens,Drum circles for community events,Staff motivation,Icebreakers for Corporate team building activities,Interactive drumming events. I am always happy after just one song! Or when we need the support of others during trying times. It's important when doing this to focus on the click and not the instruments. And listening to drum sounds regularly can have the same effect as drumming itself. Its my favorite class yet! System also. Drumming is a great workout for your brain and actually can make you smarter because when you drum you access your entire brain. I discovered drumming (specifically, the djembe, a hand drum from West Africa) in 2009 at a caregivers conference and immediately signed up for classes. Could you possibly work with a trainer to see what can be done to change this for you? I see this especially with the ex-cons as they come broken and self-loathing often. We are based in Oakland, CA. Hi Dr. Northrup, I was introduced to your work years ago by my sister, and have been following your insightful instagram posts for some time. Maybe you can consider starting up a drumming circle in your area-benefiting yourself & others. I touched a Djembe drum April 2, 2022 at a Caregivers retreat; in love. Blessings, Julie. I didnt know it at the time, but interestingly, this most heart-wrenching period of my life held the seed for my futuredrumming. Drums are the music instrument that African music relies heavily upon to create the fast-paced, upbeat, rhythmic beat that signifies most African music.