Drum Circle

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

The only place these djembes are light is on your pocket book. The new Toca line of lightweight hand drums feature authentic Afro-Cuban sound coupled with indisputable value: It's a match made in hand drum heaven. With the Toca Lightweight Hand Drums you receive an excellent combination of value, looks, and sound quality.

Toca Hand Drums feature sculpted shells in a variety of hand painted finishes that covers both the shell and the head, making them eye-catching as well as functional. You can find a Jamaican-inspired Rasta finish with black, red, yellow, and green stripes or an African-themed Earth Tone finish that offers an organic brown/black/tan pattern. The hand drum has a pre-stretched synthetic head and a protective rubber edge along the bottom. The shell itself is also synthetic, and was developed as a hybrid that combines the fundamental components featured in doumbek and djembe drums.

Although this drum is light, the sound quality is definitely not. The Toca has a wide frequency range and fantastic response, delivering both heavy bass tones and resonating crystal clear slaps.

The best thing about the Toca Lightweight Hand Drums? The price. Starting at just $49.99, this is the best drum for those who are on a budget or individuals who are buying in bulk for classrooms and drum circles. Plus, each drum comes with a an adjustable carrying strap and a drawstring-carrying bag.

Choose from three sizes: 9" x 16", 10" x 19", or 12" x 22". The Toca drums are high in sound quality, visually stunning, and are so easy on your wallet you may just may want to own all three.

These drums were introduced at NAMM 2010. Pre-Orders are now being accepted and drums will be available to ship in March.



Toca Lightweights Series Hand Drums, Rasta w/ Strap + Bag



Toca Lightweights Series Hand Drums, Earthtone w/ Strap + Bag

Labels: drum.circle.facilitator, freestyle, hand drums, Music Education, NAMM, toca, toca djembe, toca.percussion, toca.shell

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

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.


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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

Actions Speak Louder Than Words is true to its name. In Actions Speak Louder Than Words, an interactive percussive show, the leaders, who mime their way through this Rhythm Interactive showcase, speak not a word. Those in the audience follow along during the event, with an African hand drum at every seat, to perform with the leaders.

The show is the largest interactive stage production in all of New Zealand, providing a memorable experience for both visitors and locals alike. Though there isn't any language during the entire program, Actions Speak Louder Than Words is guaranteed to make you laugh, smile and play along.

Rhythm Interactive provides interactive entertainment both onstage and off. The group does shows for audiences, schools and corporations. Rhythm Interactive emphasizes the concept of unspoken communication, which they manage by miming directions and playing djembe. The show is completely devoid of language until the very end of the performance.

Rhythm Interactive travels anywhere needed in New Zealand and can provide the equipment for your needs, no matter the size of the group. Schools can take advantage of the three music education programs: the Icebreaker show, the drum and dance workshop and the teacher drum workshop.

The Icebreaker show is geared towards large groups of students. It lasts for about 45 minutes, during which the leaders and the students never speak. Each student plays one of the Rhythm Interactive African drums, learning about the benefits of teamwork and understanding. A spoken fifteen minutes of question and answer, and a presentation about the group and their music follow the performance.

The drum and dance workshop is designed for smaller groups of students. It begins with an Icebreaker show, and then continues into workshops that last for about an hour and a half. The group of students will be divided into three, and each smaller group will work with one of the leaders. At the end, the groups come back together and perform.

The teacher drum workshop is taught along the same lines as the corporate shows. It begins with the Icebreaker show and adds teaching material that teachers can use with their students. Corporate groups can choose from a number of different options for their employees.

While Rhythm Interactive is based in New Zealand, the program is one to benchmark for those looking for similar team building and music education workshops around the world.

Labels: african.drumming, drum.circle.facilitator

"Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action revolves in rhythm." - Babatunde Olatunji

Babatunde Olatunji was a Nigerian man who moved to the United States in the 1950s. Though he attended Morehouse College and New York University to work in medicine, he fell in love with drums instead. Many claim that the musician introduced the world to world music.

Olatunji's music stood out to many of the jazz players of the area. Together, John Coltrane and Olatunji founded the Olatunji Center for African Culture in Harlem, the venue that hosted Coltrane's final show. Olatunji joined the Columbia label in the late 1950s. Olatunji made six albums with Columbia, debuting with Drums of Passion in 1959, which introduced many people on world music. The name of Olatunji's band was taken from this record. Olatunji often played with over twenty drummers on his albums, which is more than most musicians.

Olatunji continued to release music borne from a Nigerian flavor, with his recordings, The Drums of Passion: The Invocation and Drums of Passion: The Beat, although he released these under the Rykodisc label. The later album actually featured Carlos Santana, who scored a major hit in his debut release with "Jingo," a cover of a song off of the 1959 record, Drums of Passion. Though Olatunji released only a few records over the course of his more than forty years of active musicianship, with at least one album released after his death, he was a great influence for all types of drummers over time traditional players on bongo drums and djembe to modern players on electronic drum kits.

Olatunji has collaborated with dozens of musicians, popular in both past and present. Olatunji also worked with artists like Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderly, Mickey Hart and Stevie Wonder. Mickey Hart and Olatunji's recording under the name Planet Drum won the 1991 Grammy Award for World Music. The musician was even referenced in Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Free," off The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.

Babatunde Olatunji was responsible for the scores for several movies as well. In addition to recording music with Columbia, Babatunde Olatunji wrote the score for the production of A Raisin in the Sun. He also did the score for the movie. In a move to save his career later on, Olatunji returned to cinema and is responsible for the music in Spike Lee's 1986 hit, She's Gotta Have it.

Throughout his career, beginning with his years with Columbia, Olatunji taught drum classes at a number of venues. He taught classes in African culture and music at the Olatunji Center for African Culture in New York, which he founded with the money from his performance at the New York World's Fair in 1964. He also taught at the Esalen Institute in California and the Omega Institute in New York.

Sadly, Olatunji died a few weeks after finishing Healing Sessions, his last record. Babatunde Olatunji died in April 2003, as a result of complications from diabetes. He was 75 years old. His friend, Dr. Edward "e.B." Williams remembered him fondly and shared a story that humanized this extremely influential musician: "With Tunji being the musician that he was, he was certainly able to appear in situations where there could have been some division of the races. He was always someone who was sought after because of his musical skills so that he was a quiet activist, I don't think that there's any doubt about that."

Labels: african.drumming, drum.circle.facilitator

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

When you deal with the stress at work or at home, you can explore a new and intuitive stress relieving activity called - drum magic. Drum magic was invented by Jana Broder. After years in the family catering business, Jana took a road trip all over the country where she ended up in a drumming class in Berkeley, CA. From that class, her passion for drums grew, and she understood the transcendent power of drum magic.

Drum magic is defined as an effective group activity performed by synchronizing drum beats. This activity can be used for team building efforts, and for groups to develop a sense of unity and community. Corporate or group drumming takes its roots from native rituals where men and women beat their drums together to symbolize their oneness with the tribe. With drum magic, Jana believes that synchronized drum beating is an effective way to combine the thought process of individual participants.

Drum magic helps individuals think alike in a rhythmic form. Participants feel that they are almost reading each other's mind with every beat. This mental communication is a stress relief since participants are given new outlets to display their energy. Drum magic can be done by anyone as long as he or she buys into the rhythm of the group. Drum magic has been proven to reduce personal barriers and increase affection within the group, making it a perfect team building activity.

Jana Broder believes that drum magic transcends our pretentions and wrong impressions with other people. Drum magic offers new ways to talk to other people, and have fun at the same time. This effective activity becomes a stress therapy, and individuals come home with changed hearts and renewed minds. Drum magic is continuously making circles in town festivals, community action events, and company meetings.

For more information about Jana Broder and Drum Magic, visit http://www.drummagic.net

Labels: drum.circle.facilitator, drum.magic, Jana.Broder