Drum Circle

"Rhythm is everywhere and in everything." These are the words that Nina Rodriguez lives by, and her goal of "Unlocking the Rhythm" in life has put her at the center stage of performances designed to assist people with connection to the musical being within.
How exactly does she unlock your inner rhythm? Nina has made a career of facilitating "Rhythm Power" events, as well as leading "Unlock the Rhythm" and "Drumming with Nina" functions for corporations, public events, schools, and youth groups. The percussion group that Nina founded seeks to "enhance energy, health, social harmony and cultural awareness through drumming." At the events, the crowd becomes involved in mass djembe drumming, in much the same way that they would at a community drum circle. The goal is to create a spiritual lift within the participants, and as one recent member of the crowd stated, "When I arrived the energy you had going was so intense that I saw an empty chair and drum beside it, taking no time for me to get into the flow of the session. You made it that easy. Not only was everyone else engaged and clinging to your every word, they were having a great time doing it."

Unlocking the rhythm is popular with large, social groups and corporate events, but Nina's real passion lay in working with youth and children. Nina and her group perform frequently at local schools. The children enjoy the music and get caught up in the beat. It's a great way to introduce those participating to the world of percussion, as well as to open the door to the school's music program for future interest in drumming.
A Toca Percussion Artist, Nina Rodriguez has had a life long love affair with drumming. She comes from a family steeped in musical tradition, as her grandfather Henry "Papa" Garcia was a well-known bandleader. Her musical influences range from The Beatles to Tito Puente, and she is quick to acknowledge that this range of music helped influence her percussion skills. An accomplished studio musician, Nina has also recorded with Randy Travis and toured with Yehuda Glantz.

Nina is fortunate in her career, because she has found her true passion and calling. The enjoyment she gains from sharing it with others is a bonus, "Everyone has rhythm, but is not sure how to let it out. Through the universal language of music we are able to connect ourselves to a purpose -to a passion and it's from that place the music begins to flow." If you are feeling as though your spirits are sagging, drop into a local session with Nina and Unlock the Rhythm. The experience just may surprise you.

Labels: Drum Circle, drum.circle.facilitator, Nina Rodriguez

Check out this great groove to try at your next drum circle. This video is lead by our friend Bill Matthews. His full instructional "How to Play the Djembe DVD" is available now.



The Bembe rhythm is from the Afro-Cuban genre that is now commonly heard in modern Latin, Jazz and Rock music. Bembe Shango honors Shango, the Yoruban Orisha of Lightning, Thunder, Drums, Dancing and Yams. Musically, this rhythm is exciting because it can be played at many different tempos and still have a great sound.

Instruments Used above:

Djembe
Ashiko
African Double Bells

Bembe Shango history from songtrellis.com

Labels: african.drumming, afro.cuban, ashiko, beginner.djembe, Bill Matthews, Conga Joy, djembe.lessons, Djembe.Rhythms, Drum Circle, drum technique, drum.circle.facilitator, freestyle

Playing his first paid gig at age 12 in 1959, Eddie Tuduri has lived every aspect of a drummer's life. His professional drumming career has spanned over 40 years working with artists such as Delaney Bramlett, Bobby Whitlock, The Beach Boys, Dobie Gray, Del Shannon, Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band, Dr. John, Ike Turner and many others.

But it wasn't until his near death experience did he truly experience the layers of love and healing in the music he created.

On a warm September night in 1997, Eddie was catching a few waves in Carpinteria before heading to his gig at a pizza restaurant in Santa Barbara with blues artist, Sky Ferguson. He didn't make it to the gig that night or to the two tours he landed for the fall. Eddie was instead fighting his likely fate of being a quadriplegic after his last wave for the day slammed him to the bottom of the ocean and broke his neck.

It took a six hour spinal surgery and a week in ICU to repair the damage from that wave.

Eddie was then transferred to The Rehabilitation Institute in Santa Barbara where both physical and spiritual healing occurred. As soon as he cleared through the haze of surgery, he managed to get percussion instruments in his ward and began to work on his groove by tapping a stick against his bed frame. Other patients in the ward joined in on the rhythm and the happiness it created.

By experiencing these simple moments of joy through music with people outside of his career of playing drums as a living, he began to understand music at an entirely new level. The basic rhythms of percussion and clapping were making trama patients feel alive and hopeful.

"Rhythm comes from a place deep inside all of us, a place no physical trauma can reach. It moves us in a positive direction mentally, physically, and spiritually." Eddie said reflecting on the moment.

As Eddie gained mobility, they formalized the music making into a drum circle involving occupational therapists. The drumming was used as a tool to address rehab goals and focused on regenerating nerves, attention span and memory in patients. This program earned formal therapeutic merit and was widely accepted at conferences across the country.

While at a conference, he was introduced to the field of developmental disabilities and learned how percussion and drums are used with developmentally challenged kids to result in a true learning experience over time.

Since his injury, Eddie has happily accepted his new path in life to help others through music. He truly feels the joyful spirit of drumming and the way it can be used as a tool for teaching and healing.

Today he is the founder of The Rhythmic Arts Project, created to enhance the lives of people with disabilities utilizing rhythm, djembe drums, and other percussion instruments.

His story is an inspiration to the musician in all of us.

Labels: Djembe Spirit, Drum Circle, drum.circle.facilitator, drum.magic, Music Education, music.therapy, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

No one could deny the statement that music makes the world go around. We listen to it during exercise; we attend concerts and other events where music is a focal point. It blares behind us during almost every TV show, occasion, or during our workday. Without music, the world would seem completely quiet, despite the noise of our everyday lives. Every three years, the International Music Products Association or NAMM for short, conducts a poll to define the general public's attitude toward music. This survey measures many things including the likelihood of playing an instrument, where those individuals access their instrument instruction, and which gender is most likely to pick up an instrument and learn it on their own. Most data has remained stable across the past 3 years, but there have been some interesting changes to note.

During this survey, males and females were found to be almost equal in that they both play music instruments. There was no great deviation of males playing more than women. There was however, a huge jump of music playing for both genders under the age of 18. The percentage in 2000 of those under the age of 18 playing an instrument was 29%, but this figure jumped to 35% in 2009. This correlated with an increase in correspondents stating that the decision to play music was a joint decision and not individual. 45% stated that their parents encouraged them to play music. Parents appear to be more aware of the benefits of musical education and are influencing their children to become more involved.

In contrast, those in the age group of 18 to 34 saw a significant decrease in those who play music, dropping from 32% in 2006 to 24% in 2009. This may be due to the economic crisis, as many in that age group saw a drop in income or could have possibly lost their employment, therefore not being able to afford a musical hobby. The use of private lessons saw a slight decrease as well.

Although the NAMM poll saw that there was an even split between those who bought new and those who purchased used instruments, when the respondents did purchased, over 51% stated that they preferred to purchase in a specialized retail environment.

For those respondents with children in school, it was found that parents were encouraging their children more than ever to focus on music in school. The 5 to 11 year old age group increased since 2006. This could be due to better music programs in the schools. Many who were surveyed believed strongly in music education in the schools, and even stated that a state mandated music program would be a good idea. It was widely believed that children who participated in music programs were considered well rounded, and those surveyed were strongly on the side of infant music education and a larger music program in preschools.

Not learning a musical instrument tends to become a big regret in people's lives, with over 81% stating that they wished they had picked up an instrument, and over 60% of those people feeling they were too old to learn.

Every once in awhile it is useful to have a reminder as to how important the practice of playing music is. Whether it is enriching our children's education or allowing teenagers self-expression, learning and playing an instrument is a vital part of our lives.

Labels: djembe, Drum Circle, drum.circle.facilitator, hand.drumming, Music Education, music.therapy, NAMM, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

A drum circle is an assembly of individuals gathered into a circle to play percussion instruments like hand drums. Drum circles create beautiful, spontaneous music together that empowers the participants to facilitate society, foster spirit, and encourage well-being. Drum circles offer recreation, emotional relief, and spiritual manifestation through social interaction.

Drum circles usually take place on afternoons and evenings during weekends and special occasions. These events are typically held in places, like music stores, churches, parks, community centers, and attended by people from all walks of life -- young and old, beginners to advanced drum players.

This music-making experience is made simpler by a drum circle facilitator. She creates the freedom of the participants to express their music and emotions. A facilitator should understand the responsibility of service and the non-performance part of the drum circle.

An effective drum circle facilitator helps the members to focus on the objective and develop the quality and outcome of the drum jam. She should guide and encourage the participants to produce exciting in-the-moment music. She should also support the group in producing an improvised song and help each individual to achieve a better personal potential, shared happiness, and mutually dependent group dynamics.

A drum circle facilitator should have an exceptional combination of excellent musical sense and rhythmical playing skills on a variety of instruments from the djembe and conga to didgeridoos and shekeres, competent group-building ability, and well-developed personality. Successful facilitators develop these skills to achieve the purpose of the drum circle to develop both the music and the sense of community.

Nowadays, it is not surprising that people from different backgrounds, such as business, social work, music, emerge to facilitate drum circles. There is also an increasing group of facilitators operating in different places, such as hospitals, prisons, and hospices. They use drumming as a tool for therapy.

Trained professional facilitators understand the necessity for empowering each person while the awareness of the whole group progress into a musical masterpiece. Some people have the notion that drum circle facilitators need to be certified. Most facilitators are either self-taught or attended a facilitation training workshop. There are different drum facilitator's training offered nationwide, usually held during weekends.

The Drum Circle Facilitator Guild (DCFG), a professional organization of drum circle facilitators, is committed to assist communities through rhythm-based affairs intended to restore health, empower and bring together diverse people. They gather annually during drum circle facilitators' conference where they hold sessions and workshops on techniques and strategies.

Labels: Drum Circle, drum.circle, drum.circle.facilitator

This post is by guest blogger, Jim Greiner, an internationally renowned, award-winning percussionist, community drumming leader and educator.

Group drumming is one of humanities oldest, and most universal, ways to energize and focus groups, build community bonds, enhance communication skills and to celebrate important events.

During the two years I spent drumming in Africa, I was profoundly moved by the way that the people used community drumming to uplift and unify themselves in very down-to-earth ways.

Recent clinicical studies undertaken by Dr. Barry Bittman, MD (http://www.mind-body.org/bittman.html), have also demonstrated that purpose-driven group drumming has real-world benefits to people from all walks of life, including reducing staff burn-out, and even enhancing the body's immune system!

I've found in my worldwide drumming travels, that purpose-driven, group drumming, rooted in specific themes and goals, whether by African farmers, corporate employees or conference participants, is grounded in the same fundamental, universal principles that are the foundation of all thriving communities.

The fundamental nature of focused group drumming activities is that each participant has a part to play; each of these interdependent rhythmic parts then fit together to create the complete group rhythm.

These universal fundamentals then become a fun, lively and enduring way for groups of all types and sizes to reinforce, in immediate and powerful ways, the importance of each group member to contribute her or his individual skills, talents and personalities to shared goals and common values.

In this way, each group member contributes to creating a powerful, synergestic group rhythm that, in turn, supports the participants to be creative... to be innovative in their approach to meeting the challenges of today's work environment.

As one of my clients, Ralph Norris, CEO of Air New Zealand, said of one of my programs in New Zealand, "I particularly appreciate (that) you drew parallels between the theme of our conference, and the essential principles needed to make great, harmonius music."

Making harmonious music, and building powerfully productive community rhythms, by drumming together with a clear purpose, and rooted in fundamental rhythmic principles, has endured throughout humanity's history for one simple reason... it works!

Read more about the healing qualities of drumming.


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Jim Greiner, founder of Hands-On! Drumming® Events, is an internationally renowned, award-winning percussionist, community drumming leader, educator and inspirational speaker based in the Montery Bay Area of California. Since the 1980's, Jim has conducted interactive rhythm programs, including drum circles, worldwide for corporate team building, conference and meeting ice breaking and celebrating, community groups, schools and private groups. Jim's numerous awards and recognitions include seven Drum! Magazine Readers Polls including three for Drum Circle Facilitator of the Year, two for Percussion Educational Video of the Year and once for Percussion Clinician of the Year. More info, including videos, articles and percussion lessons can be found at http://www.handsondrum.com.

Labels: Drum Circle, drum.circle, drum.circle.facilitator, drum.magic, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

Last week, X8 Drums teamed up with Art House Productions to host the first ever "JC Fridays Drum Circle" as one of the community events during the fall season of Jersey City's JC Fridays.

JC Fridays is a citywide celebration of free arts and culture programs in Jersey City, New Jersey. JC Fridays is held at the start of every season, offering an exciting lineup of events open to the public.

The drum circle was facilitated by Jersey City Drummer and African Dance Instructor, Dion Rivers who taught the group Dansa and Mendiani African rhythms on djembe.



Thanks to Art House Productions and all of the participants at the event, especially those that came with their X8 Drums in hand. We spotted a Ramadan Djembe, Duafe Djembe and the World Rhythm Djembe at the event!

Labels: beginner.djembe, Drum Circle, drum.circle, drum.circle.facilitator, x8.drums

You can hear the sounds coming through the trees in the clearing; a low, rhythmic drumming catches your ear, and you can hear the music carrying through the forest. Getting closer, you smell incense and feel the warmth of a fire. People are dancing to the beat of a circle of drums; each person keeping tune and rhythm with those around them. The throb of the drums pounding together makes the ground vibrate under your feet. Even if you have never experienced one before, the electric feel of a Pagan Drum Circle can leave your spirit charged for hours.

Paganism, or Neopaganism refers to a polytheistic religion such as Wicca. Rather than worship Jesus in the way that Christians do, those who practice Wicca worship a Goddess and a God. In Wicca, the God and Goddess are ever around you and manifest themselves in nature. Wiccans believe in the power of magic or sorcery, and often evoke such power in magic circles. As air, water, fire, earth, and spirit are united, a Wiccan is in touch with the power of the Universe. Magic circles are cast to so that Wiccans can cast spells or perform rituals.

Rituals are vital to any religion, and Wicca is no different. Catholics baptize their babies in holy water inside a Church. Wiccans baptize their babies through Wiccaning, in which it is asked that the child be under the protection of the God and Goddess. It is rituals such this that require magic circles, and the sights and sounds of nature are a major part of any circle. Singing, clapping, poetry, and most importantly, drumming, all become part of the magic.

A Pagan drum circle is very much a part of Wiccan ritual. A magic circle of purity is drawn around a fire, and each djembe drum converges around the fire or off in a corner so that they may all sit together. A drumbeat is started, and each drummer beats to the rhythm. There is no one leader to this type of drum circle; the spirit simply takes everyone away and a rhythm is kept from each contributing. Ritual singing and dancing occurs around the fire, as each individual gives themselves up to the beat of the drum and the connection to their God, Goddess, and each other. Often these types of drum circles last until dawn, and are considered a ritual or part of a spell.

Why a drum circle to invoke a connection to a higher power? Drums have often been thought of a way to connect to your own spirituality. For thousands of years, people have been drumming to connect to themselves and others around them. The consistent beat of a hand drum can allow you to enter a level of relaxation that will bring upon a new level of consciousness. Drumming, in a word, calms a restless soul. It is no wonder that Wiccans widely incorporate drumming as their main choice of sound for a magic circle, spell, or ritual.

Although Pagan Drum Circles are very different from the average gathering of drummers, it is with the same spirit and love of rhythm that one becomes involved in a drum circle. Wiccan, Christian, old or young: the sound and spirit of the drum surrounds you and gives you a connection to the world that you may have otherwise been missing.

Labels: Djembe Spirit, Drum Circle, Pagan Drumming, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

Art House Productions and X8Drums.com give you a chance to beat your own drum with the Jersey City community at the JC Fridays Drum Circle on Friday, September 11th.

There is nothing quite like a drum circle to make you feel as though you are part of the world around you. If you've never experienced the power of drumming with others, now is your chance to join the X8 Drum community. Art House Productions and X8 Drums proudly invite you to the "JC Fridays Drum Circle."

Spend some time feeling the rhythm and invest yourself in the interactive experience of the drum circle. Coordinated by Jersey City Drummer and African Dance Instructor, Dion Rivers, the drum circle is a family friendly, community event. Any type of instrument is welcome, so be sure to bring anything from your didgeridoo to your conga. There is no age limit, so bring your children down for an interactive, fun experience that they will be sure to love.

X8 Drums is an independent online drum store that is the ultimate source for the hand drumming community. Specializing in Djembe drums that are created only from legally certified timber, X8Drums.com provides online support for hand drumming enthusiasts. You will find online Djembe lessons, tuning support, and off line special events.

Art House Productions presents JC Fridays, the Jersey City kick off to the season. Venues throughout the city participate in a series of events that showcase the arts. Immerse yourself in culture and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.

If you don't have an instrument to bring, X8 Drums will have plenty of drums, shakers and other percussion instruments on hand for you to play at the event.

Date: Friday, September 11, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Art House Productions
Street: 1 McWilliams Pl, 6th Fl (SE corner of Hamilton Park)
City/Town: Jersey City, NJ

Labels: Drum Circle