Drum Circle

Ever pondered on playing an instrument like the djembe or a guitar, but thought it was not worth your time? Think again! Music is beneficial to everybody. There are thousands of reasons to convince yourself that playing an instrument is worth every minute.

Several studies show that playing music helps develop the cognitive skills of children and adolescents. It also instills self-discipline, builds confidence, increases productivity and socially connects kids and teens with their peers. Music also relaxes the soul and uplifts the spirit; thus, reducing the stress level on the body.

Here are 10 benefits of playing a musical instrument:

1. Better intellectual capacity

Researchers say that children, who play an instrument or those who are exposed to music, perform better in school. Simple tunes and classical music help students concentrate, focus their minds on the activity and retain more information. Studies also show that exposing the children to music positively affects their IQ, reading age, and the development of certain parts of the brain. An adult mind stays active, alert and has better memory when they play an instrument.

2. Discipline and patience

Learning to play an instrument is like learning to speak another language. You need to practice every day and have the discipline to master playing your instrument. Music also lengthens the attention span of its player.

3. Relieves stress

Playing an instrument relaxes the body and calms the mind. Creating music can soothe the mind, calm tempers and even lower blood pressure. Music also helps in creative problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication.

4. Sense of achievement

Music helps build confidence and give a sense of achievement. It can be frustrating for a beginner to play their first piece. But once you have mastered it, the satisfaction you will feel is priceless. Hard work pays off in music when you dedicate yourself studying music.

5. Communicate your emotions

If you are looking for an outlet for your emotions, play a djembe rather than punch a punching bag. If you feel sad and lonely, play something slow. If you are happy and elated, play something loud and joyful.

Music also helps adolescents control their emotions and cope with difficult and complicated situations, such as peer pressure, pressures of study and family, substance abuse, the pain of loss or abuse, and the dynamics of friendships and social life.

7. Emanate your personal style

Have you ever tried playing rock “n” roll on a flute? Music gives the freedom to be your own self, be different, somebody you thought you could never be.

8. Teamwork

Musicians play with other musicians who make each other feel belongingness. They combine their talents to show off their musical abilities and make music they cannot play on their own. They share ideas and values to work together on sound, tempo and style.

9. Physical Workout

Music is also good for the body. It can strengthen your facial muscles, arms, fingers and hands, even your legs. Breathing on wind instruments can also improve your endurance.

10. Bragging Rights

Music is in. People cannot look down at you when you can play an instrument.

11. Fun!

Though it takes a lot of hard work, music is fun. It is the key to life. It can open up a lot of good possibilities that will definitely enrich your life. You will be able to share your skill with your family and friends. You can also play professionally

Labels: drum tips, drum.circle, drum.circle.facilitator, drum.magic, drumming, drums, music, Music Education, music.therapy, School Music Program

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.


--

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

Ask a person what regret they have from their childhood is, and very often they will say that they wish they had learned to play an instrument. Whether it was the guitar, piano, violin, or drums, a child's innate ability to learn music and excel as they grow cannot be matched by an adult attempting to learn a similar instrument. Musical talent is not something that everyone has, but with practice it can become a valuable part of your daily life.

Music is all around us. It is such a powerful force that you can't walk down the street without hearing some type of music. It has the ability to elevate mood and relax us, and the creation of music can be extremely therapeutic. Autistic children, for example, benefit greatly from the creation of music. Group sessions involving music, such as a drum circle, allow the children to form a sense of connection with their peers. Music therapy is a widely prevalent form of treatment for anxiety, stress, and depression.

Learning to play music doesn't come as easily for some as it does for others. If you are in your 30's and just starting out, your learning curve on the instrument will be steeper and it may take you a bit longer than a younger person to pick it up. Why is it more difficult as you get older? For one, our brain's ability to learn new things declines slightly with age. We are no longer a sponge, ready and able to pick up new things, in the same way that children are. Another reason adults take longer to learn to play music is that they lack motivation. For adults, there are many distractions that will prevent us from focusing solely on music. Children, without a care in the world for the most part, can concentrate on one task without worrying about work or what to make for dinner. Yet another reason is that, as we age, we develop into left or right brained functioning people. Some people are artists, some excel at business. We are all different, and as such our musical abilities are different as well.

If you are looking for an instrument that suits you, consider your interests first and foremost. What type of music do you like? Rock, classical, pop, Latino? Focus your instrument search on the type of music that suits you best. Second, consider your budget. How much money do you have to spend on an instrument? Items such as pianos can be rented, but guitars or drums are inexpensive and easy to purchase. Third, ask yourself if you are planning on playing an instrument as a social medium. Do you want to participate in a band and play electric guitar or a drum kit? Are you interested in drum circles and want to join a community of drummers playing the djembe, congas or didgeridoo? Music can be part of a social setting, but also can be used as a solitary mode of relaxation.

Learning to play music can be difficult, but it can also be a very fulfilling part of your life. Decide which instrument or style of music is the best for you and focus on it as much as possible. With time and dedication, your ability to play music will flourish.

Labels: drum.circle, Fun, Learn Music, music, Music Education, music.therapy, world.percussion

Studies continue to show great benefits for senior citizens that take on a hobby of playing music. Performing in relaxed musical groups results in overall physical and emotional well-being in the elderly.

The Music Making and Wellness Project was a study on the affects of musical participation on healthy American seniors. The project's findings were positive, proving that stress, depression and loneliness diminished greatly for those taking music lessons, while the life outlook of the control group didn't change. Interestingly, the participants of the music group has a 90% increase in the production of human growth hormone, which is known to decline as seniors age.

As Ted Turner stated, "Music has a great power for bringing people together. While it may seem that our days are filled with challenges that create more distance between people in our lives, it is important to take time out to participate and enjoy those activities that create bonds and community connection.Music groups seeing the best health results are those with members who encourage one another and practice social skills just as much as musical skills.

You could join a drum circle or a class, as long as there is a focus on involvement and a musical environment. As beginners enter a healthy and positive senior musical group for the first time, the welcome is typically a wonderfully surprising experience as their reason for being there is in line with the rest of the group; to feel better and make friends. Finding a group led by a mentor rather than an instructor will reduce the stress a novice may feel.

Senior music groups aren't about top class performance, they're about creating a sense of community. In the movie The Visitor, a 60-odd year-old widower discovers the djembe, as a result of his friendship with two illegal immigrants who have taken up residence in his abandoned apartment.

The bonds of age or skill don't matter; Walter (Richard Jenkins, who was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for the movie) finds passion and joy in playing his djembe, both in group circles and by himself. Walter discovered a new culture and a new skill, connecting him to his old life with his classical piano-playing late wife, while at the same time gaining new interests and becoming a more diversified person.

The djembe drum is just one of many instruments that seniors typically experiment with. While some individuals will pick up a familiar instrument that they learned at an earlier point in their lives, many others venture into new areas of music and end up connecting with an instrument they may have never heard of - like a banjo, clarinet or even the didgeridoo. As long as you join a group that is positive, encouraging and sonically matches your instrument, you should be set.

The biggest factor of a healthy music group for seniors is creating an enjoyable environment, playing simple arrangements with a variety of instruments. Whether joining a huge drum circle or a small brass band, the same ideas apply. The melody has a therapeutic way of connecting a group in a community effort to carry the sound which insists stimulation and intellectual challenge without causing stress.

Seniors will be reminded of the importance of working in a group, and will be involved in musical events in the future, making sure that they feel like a part of something. The skills one gains in a band are the skills needed to create any thriving community. At the same time, studies show that musicians, no matter what age, suffer less from depression and have increased strength in the immune system.

Labels: beginner.djembe, didgeridoo, drum.circle, drum.circle.facilitator, drum.magic, drumming, Jana.Broder, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

Drum circles are becoming increasingly popular. They offer social outlets, while at the same time, supporting a worthwhile hobby. The emphasis on individual drum circles can vary, from ethnic events, like those that focus on samba music, to therapeutic groups for stress relief, to community drum circles, the main function of which is to create a sense of community.

One of the most popular forms of drum circle is the neo-pagan group. At spiritual festivals, the drum circle is used as a part of several ceremonies. The drummers play in order to create a magical experience, particularly at night, while singers and dancers perform around a bonfire. Summer and winter solstice celebrations are some of the biggest opportunities for drum circles, as the pagans believe that they are "drumming up the sun."

The community circle is a favorite for the drummer looking for a non-religious drumming opportunity. It is a casual experience, usually with a group of friends that can be used for celebration or recreation. They typically take place in parks or conference rooms. These events are also used as team building activities for corporations.

Major Drum Circle Events Across America

Florida
The Central Florida Drum Circle is a social drum circle that focuses on the connections between people regardless of age or race. It is one of the biggest drum circles, with 537 members who meet up to play and build relationships with each other through the magic of music. All types of instruments are welcome from djembe to conga and cowbell to cajon drum.

Georgia
The Atlanta Drum Circle Meet-Up Group is home to almost 450 drummers and is one of the biggest drum circles in the South. The group emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of drumming, by reducing stress and encouraging mediation while playing. This group is great for those interested in gaining culture while indulging in a fun hobby.

Texas
Austin, Texas is home to another of the largest drum circles in the world. The Active Fun/Peace Loving Hippies is built to provide community and a place to speak the group member's beliefs. Furthermore, the Active Fun/Peace Loving Hippies have more than 400 hundred members dedicated to hand drumming.

Arizona
Arizona's largest monthly circle, the Burning Bush Drum Circle has more than 375 hand drummers involved. Local business sponsor the event, where drummers, tambourine players, belly dancers and bagpipers get together to play music and dance, while fire eaters perform. The two year old group is hosted in Phoenix, Arizona every month.

New York
The New York City Meet-Up Group is comprised of 375 hand drummers. The group uses percussive techniques and ethnic rhythms from the Middle East, the Mediterranean and the East. Additionally, the group does innovative synthesis with poetry reading and story telling, accompanied by the hand drums.

Tennessee
The Knoxville Area Pagans' Meet-Up is a Tennessee-based group known for spiritual drum circle. Though they practice pagan religion, the group practices and performances are open to anyone in the area with an open mind. The Knoxville Area Pagans' Meet Up has over three hundred members, who are encouraged to share their religion while making new friends, as well as music.

Labels: drum.circle, drum.circle.facilitator, drumming

It has been proven that hand drumming can alter a person's response to stress at a genomic level.

Based on a study by the Medical Science Monitor, it was proven that people who play music in their free time have genetic reversals to stress.

Many health organizations have followed this logic by integrating drumming into their curriculum and have reported that it is a healthy way to relax in multiple ways. The more intense a person is while playing, the more aerobic the activity becomes whereby the player reduces stress and burns calories at the same time.

Playing a drumbeat engages the right side of your brain, shifting the pressure from the critical thinking left-brain. So, after an intense day at the office, the drum can physiologically relax your mind and refuel for the next day.

What makes hand drumming so inviting is that it is quite easy for inexperienced players to pick up without the frustration of learning technical skills. When you join a large drum circle group, your only task is to contribute what you feel comfortable doing and the circle finds a way to embrace it in the melody. This in itself provides stress relief and positive energy for your psyche. A drum circle creates a sense of acceptance and community.

Drum circles are recognized as effective team building exercises for companies in the corporate sector. They are also used in health care facilities for rehabilitation, senior care and family therapy as well as recreational and school programs for children.

These days, companies and corporate executives are looking into professionally facilitated drum circles for stress relief and team building. In fact, Toyota has added a drum room to their building fully equipped with all types of hand drums and percussion instruments.

Drum circles are also used in therapeutic sessions. The music produces a sense of synergy and focus, quieting the noise of chaos that can be troubling for people. For family therapy, making music together has had great results in getting teens to open up and discuss difficult issues.

Many college campuses are hosting drum circles in their public areas. Faculty encourage the activity as a healthy way to reduce stress from demanding schedules, tight finances and testing anxiety. The drumbeat also brings all types of people together opening doors for new friendship and a support group.

No matter what your age, gender or background, drumming is an open door for all to try. When you plan your next family gathering or retreat, consider planning a drum circle as part of the event to bring the group together and open up a new form of communication.

by Caitlin McGuire

Labels: drum.circle, drum.circle.facilitator

Thanks to the efforts of Moya Moye at the University of South Carolina, many students are enjoying the positive health benefits of hand drumming.

After only a month, his drum circle turnout has grown from one participant to groups of 20-25. All it took to get that far was a single drummer and a sign up form.

The story is inspiring and testimony that drumming plus the energy of drum circles has amazing health benefits for people of all ages.

If you are interested in starting a drum circle, follow these simple steps that have made the drum circle at USC a success:

1. Be your own drum circle.
Moya started his drum circle by playing his drums outside of a local cafe with a sign next to him that read "Sign Up for Drum Circle". As people came over to sign up, he let them know that all types of musicians are welcome and no experience is needed.

2. "The only thing we discriminate against is negativity." - USC drum circle participant
Make sure that you, as the leader, always provide positive feedback to your members. Your attitude and actions will be reflected by the rest of the members.

3. Create a webpage for your drum circle
Moya created a FaceBook profile page for his drum circle so that members can connect online. FaceBook provides an easy interface for you to maintain a schedule of events and locations, upload photos and the ability for members to leave comments (no HTML knowledge is needed). Drum Circle Meetup is also a great place to promote your drum circle online.

Tell us about your drum circle success using the comments link below!

X8 Drums provides special packages to drum circle facilitators. Contact us to dicuss djembe offerings and other hand percussion instruments for your events.

Labels: Djembe.Buying.Guide, djembe.drum, drum.circle, drumming, x8.drums

Below are some quick but useful tips on starting a drum circle. Good luck!!

1. There is a lot of information already out there on the web about how to start a drum circle. Google it.

2. Buy a drum - You'll need some sort of hand-drum or percussion instrument in order to start or join in a drum circle. A djembe is a good, reasonably inexpensive and practical choice as a beginner drum, and you may also consider investing in a few small but cheap alternate percussion instruments, such as egg shakers or claves.

2. Advertise - flyers in your local drum stores, used cd stores, used book stores, holistic groceries, massage schools, coffee shops - places where new-age types will hang out.

3. Be patient. It takes time to grow these things. Don't worry if you don't have a lot of people. Get started with just a few and meet once or twice per month. Grow it gradually.

4. Get help. Don't try to do it all on your own. Hold an interest meeting for the first session and get volunteers to help you spread the word and shoulder the responsibility of organizing, advertising, coordinating space, etc.

5. Network with all the other drummers in your area - spend time chatting up the guys working in the drum stores; they'll help you get the word out. Here is an excellent resource in finding and hooking up with other drummers in your area: Drum Circle Meetup.

6. Attend local events and festivals and play outdoors every chance you get. People will ask what you're doing, at which point you can give them more information. Never run out of flyers! I had Kinko's run me little quarter sheet tear off pads. I can leave them on counters in local handouts and easily tear off one to give to anyone interested.

7. Start a Myspace group or a Yahoo group so that you don't have to manage an email list on your own computer. Let it do the work for you.

Always remember to have fun and keep an open invitation to new drummers!

Labels: djembe, Djembe.Buying.Guide, drum, drum.circle, drummers, hand.drum, hand.drumming, percussion.instrument

A drum circle is any group of people typically playing hand drums and percussion in a circle. It is a rhythm-based event where a diverse group of individuals and instruments are gathered for the common purpose of empowering a community with creative self-expression in a group music making experience. Rhythmical expression is as ancient and unique as man and found throughout the world, represented in art, celebration, meditation, and wellness situations. Drum Circles are commonly used for social gatherings or to promote wellness in populations such as nursing homes, assisted living, at risk youth, mentally or physically challenged, and various community situations. Other instruments and dance can also be incorporated into the drum circle. They are distinct from a drumming group or troupe in that the drum circle is an end in itself rather than preparation for a performance. They can range in size from a handful of players to circles with thousands of participants.

A Community Drum Circle is a place for individuals to express themselves through the use of drums and percussion instruments. These instruments are accessible to a multi-generational and multicultural community. An individual can express himself or herself through the instrument without much skill or technique, becoming a part in the group song. The use of different instruments (drums, shakers, bells, etc.) allows the group to experience a metaphoric relation of the unique individuals involved in creating a diverse spontaneous rhythmic song, fun for the whole group. As the groups' sounds evolve, participants begin to hear the rhythmic interdependent relationships creating the songs. Conversations through rhythmic pulses emerge as the community becomes connected beyond the music produced.

Types of Drum and percussion instruments typically found in a drum circle include:

Ashiko
Bongo
Cluster Drum
Cajon Drum
Conga
Dhol (type of 2-headed drum)
Djembe
Doumbek
Drum Sticks
Jug Drum
Shakers
Tambourine
Timbales (sometimes)

Labels: ashiko, bongo, cluster.drum, conga, dhol, djembe, drum, drum.circle, drum.sticks, drums, hand.drum, percussion, percussion.instrument, tambourine, timbales