Drum Circle

Those who play and enjoy the didgeridoo know that creating the low, keening sounds on the instrument can relax and inspire you. The instrument, made from hollowed out wood or PVC pipe, is played using breathing techniques that improve as the user gets better through practice. What an avid player of the didgeridoo might not expect is that the instrument and the breathing techniques could help you get a better nights rest and solve the rising problem of sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is an issue for over 18 million people worldwide, although the condition often goes undiagnosed and the number of people suffering from this problem could be as high as 30,000 million. Occurring when the soft palate collapses and the airway is blocked, the individual with apnea stops breathing. Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring while sleeping and daytime sleepiness due to an inability to get adequate rest at night. It is a problem that often plagues those who are overweight or the aging population, but it is not known why some have sleep apnea and others do not.

To diagnose this condition, the individual must have a referral from a doctor for a night in a sleep lab. The sleep lab measures the times that breathing has stopped and rates it on a scale from mild to severe. Once the condition is officially diagnosed, there are few ways to treat this problem. The solution generally chosen is a sleep mask. The mask is connected to an air pump, which sends air through the patients nose and keeps air flowing all night. The result is fewer episodes where the individual stops breathing. The mask is bulky and similar to wearing a scuba mask, which results in patients tossing it aside due to how constricting it feels when on. Unfortunately for those who suffer from sleep apnea, the problem does not go away on it’s own. The patient is expected to wear the mask for the rest of their lives, as this has been the most modern and safe way to fix the issue.

A recent British study has focused on a new and non-invasive way of assisting those with sleep apnea, and the surprising alternative has been found to be the didgeridoo. The technique of circular breathing used by those who play the didgeridoo was put to the test by patients with sleep apnea. The theory was that the breathing techniques strengthen the upper airway that collapses when apnea occurs. The result? Those who played for six days a week and 30 minutes per day reduced the amount of times they stopped breathing at night by a significant number. It was also found that their daytime drowsiness decreased.

If you are one of the millions that suffer from sleep apnea, grab yourself a didgeridoo and put it to the test. The instrument that you will come to love to play may just help you get a better nights rest.

Labels: didgeridoo, music.therapy, sleep apnea, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

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

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

With funding to education being cut nationwide, most schools are focusing on reading and math as a consequence of the Center on Education's policy, No Child Left Behind. Because funding overall is limited, money that had previously supported programs in physical education, the arts, and other areas of study is disappearing in favor of state-tested subjects.

However, schools are making a mistake when they cut funding to their music programs over their math or English programs. As reported by the College Entrance Entrance Examination Board, students who have studied music score at least 40 points higher on each section of the SAT - 44 points above their peers in math, 63 points above in verbal.

These findings are reflected in the average American's views as well, as a Gallup poll by NAMM (the trade association of the international music products industry), show that almost all Americans, 94%, believe that studying music increases intelligence.

NAMM has also shown that music studying can help in other avenues of life as well. Students who have undergone music training are better adjusted, and work well in groups. They also exhibit a higher level of confidence than their less musical schoolmates, and later in life, turn to academia rather than alcohol, cigarette, or drug use.

A study performed in 2003 backs up these views: researchers in Hong Kong analyzed the effect of musical training on ninety students over the course of five years. Half of students were given lessons on traditional instruments and played in the school's orchestra, while the other half took no lessons. After five years, students who played with orchestra showed a greater increase in verbal memory than their nonmusical peers.

In fact, learning to play music has been linked with increased development of brain tissue, which leads to a better sense of proportions and verbal skills. This helps in an increase in intelligence that helps not only the SAT test, but in life as well.

Virgil Griffith, a CalTech grad student, recently charted his peers' taste in music against their average SAT score. During this test, he found that students who listen to music, like Beethoven, scored around a 1300 SAT score, while his peers who listened to music forged on a less classical tradition, like reggaeton or country, scored between 900 and 1000 on the SAT. By cutting funding to arts programs, schools are limiting their students abilities and their opportunities to exceed.

The First Lady has begun a program from the White House that teams professional musicians with music students in order to foster their interests and provide a positive outlet for creativity. This program, which began in June, is planned to continue during Obama's term of office. Although changes have begun in the White House, they're taking hold elsewhere as well.

In Boston, schools are struggling to hold on to their music programs. Despite cuts to music programs, 70% of Boston students are still enrolled in some variety of a music program. For students in other states, there are a number of programs outside the classroom you could try.

X8 Drums is proud of the relationships we have developed with school districts and music teachers across the country. We have worked with state boards of education, school principals and private drum instructors to develop complete drum circle packages for a variety of classroom environments. Find out more about integrating drum circles at your school.

Labels: Learn Music, Mozart, music, Music Education, music.therapy, NAMM, Pagan Drumming, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

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

One of the most popular therapeutic programs in practice today is the usage of music. This treatment, dramatized in the Oscar-nominated film Awakenings starring Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, is used successfully on patients with any number of conditions, from those in comas to those with autism. Music therapy has been used in classrooms for ages to keep kids concentrated and minds at attention. Yet researchers are applying the same concepts to dozens of conditions today, in pursuit of a low-priced, high-benefit mode of treatment.

Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis outlined the Mozart effect in 1991. In his book, Pourquoi Mozart? Tomatis claimed that listening to music is an effective form of therapy for neurological conditions, because music "retrains" the listener's ear, and that variations of musical frequency encourages development of the brain while promoting regeneration of cells.

Continuing on the theme of Mozart, the Mozart effect also refers to studies on brain activity after listening to Mozart’s music. Researchers have found that after listening to Mozart’s compositions, spatial-temporal reasoning momentarily improves. Another branch of this belief is used with children, as some researchers believe that exposure to classical music in a child’s infancy can assist in development. A study in Nature actually supports that listening to Mozart can increase IQ by almost 10 points for short periods of time.

Classrooms use music as motivation and reward. Why not use the same ideas in therapy? Researchers are finding that by using music that patients engage in, music therapy is an efficient stimulator, regardless of the mental condition of the patient. In fact, therapists use music therapy to reduce negative actions in disabled patients by providing socially acceptable impulse outlets.

For example, music therapy is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of stroke victims. People who have suffered stroke often lose their speech, making communication almost impossible. Listening to music helps to stimulate blood flow to the brain, and stimulates a cross over effect between regions. This cross over effect causes brain cell regeneration, helping to restore normal brain function. Music therapy can be hugely instrumental in regaining speech as a result.

In regards to the traditional understanding of the Mozart effect, as a way of improving IQ and aiding in mental development, aspects of health can still apply. Music is processed in both left and right hemispheres of the brain, meaning that the artistic side, responsible for speech and language is not the only side to benefit.

The rhythm of Mozart, classical music or any other genre can be used in the development of cognitive functioning. Particularly in patients with autism, music therapy helps to organize the sensory system of the patient by providing an association with the rhythm. This helps in the processing of sound, and the development of motor skills. Music therapy also eases patients into other forms of therapy, as it provides a feeling of familiarity in the therapeutic setting. This can encourage more traditional forms of therapy, as it comes with a sense of comfort.

Labels: Mozart, music.therapy, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

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

Many seeking their own hand drum or djembe have experienced the magic of drumming and drum circles. While the djembe has been used for thousands of years in celebrations, rituals and ceremonies, the modern day healing powers of this drum are touching and connecting new people around the world every single day.

Studies now show that hand drumming helps to relax the tense, energize the tired and heal the emotionally wounded.

In working with holistic practitioners, certified drum circle facilitators and yoga instructors over the years, we know that the magic of drumming is real and it is powerful.

Many of our clients are people that work hard at their jobs, typically in an office envirnment.

Imagine hard days at the office... 9 to 5 day in and day out. You feel stress, frustration and need for a healthy outlet outside of a happy hour or a spin class at the gym. You want something more, a way to express yourself and connect with others in a positive environment. You walk by a drum circle and see the relaxed faces of the participants and someone offers you a drum. You look to the leader of the circle, he nods to invite you in and you begin to drum. You drum, slow at first, and then you feel it. Your mind relaxes and you roll with the beat. Thirty minutes later, the beat slows and comes to an end. You look up feeling that only five minutes have passed, ignited with a new and light energy. The release of stress carries over to the next day and your work week passes with ease having a new outlet for the stress. You continue your participation in the circle, improving your skills, meeting new people and practicing new life habits that lead to happier and healthier days.

We invite you to share your stories where you have experienced the magic in the comments area below.

Labels: about.x8.drums, djembe, Djembe.Rhythms, Magic, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

There have numerous studies on the effects of music on the fetus during pregnancy. Parents wonder if there is a prescription for the right amount of music or the perfect musical genre that will make their baby smarter or more musical. All studies so far are inconclusive however, it is a known fact that including music during the pregnancy period is a great way to develop a prenatal bond.

Although your baby's ears don't completely develop until the fifth month, fetuses respond to noise before that, which has led some researchers to believe there's more to hearing that the ears.

While there is no scientific evidence stating that exposure to music will increase the level of intelligence for a fetus, a study conducted in the UK has proven that music will boost memory. Babies that listen to music in the uterus respond to the music played for up to a year after birth. This shows that the fetus is capable of creating memories will still in the womb.

Using prenatal stimulation helps to connect you to your child before birth, so that the baby will be able to communicate. Playing familiar and soothing sounds, or even singing a simple lullaby will put your child at ease, and provide a grounding point after birth.

The protective amniotic fluid around your fetus conducts sound well, so your baby is able to clearly hear music and voices. Turning up the sound too much can disturb the fetus, so try leaving your stereo as background noise, or turning the volume down on the headphones if you're planning on placing them on the belly. It's not quite the period for restless nights; try not to over stimulate the baby with too much noise.

When choosing music for your baby to listen to, keep in mind that repetition is key. Any song that excites you is a great choice for your baby, as the hormones release from your happiness have a positive impact on the fetus. Beethoven and Mozart are always favorites, but you can listen to anything from Madonna to traditional African drum music, as long as there's enough repetition to increase the chances of memory production. Mixing up the types of music helps diversify your baby's tastes, and activates different areas of the brain. Baby Einstein offers a line of classical music CDs that you and your baby can enjoy together.

Singing a lullaby to your baby is a great opportunity to make a lasting connection. The fetus has an incredible ability to discern your state of mind, and reacts based on your mood.

Additionally, the baby will learn to recognize your voice, which will increase your bond after birth. It has been proven that babies can recognize their parent's voices, which creates a sense of familiarity postpartum. Babies that have been sung to in utero frequently sleep easier than babies with no prenatal stimulation, as the parent's voice is comforting.

Use moderation when stimulating your baby. Incorporating too much music can overstimulate the fetus. Pay attention to your own feelings.

If you have grown old of a song that you've played repeatedly, it is likely that your baby is bored with it as well. Make connecting emotionally with your fetus a special time for you and your family.

Sounds of a traditional drumbeat can be soothing for a mother and her baby. X8 Drums offers a collection of drum rhythm cd's ranging from beats of the cajon drum, conga drum, bongos and the djembe.

Labels: african.djembe, african.drumming, djembe, Djembe.Rhythms, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

The hand drum has been used for thousands of years in celebrations, rituals and ceremonies. However, acknowledging the healing qualities of the hand drum is a relatively new development. Studies now show that hand drumming helps to relax the tense, energize the tired and heal the emotionally wounded. In addition, hand drumming is now being used in the medical field for releasing post-traumatic stress, with Alzheimer's patients to help improve their short-term memory and for Parkinson's patients and stroke victims to regain the control of movement.

Labels: the.healing.power.of.the.drum

New York psychotherapist and drum facilitator Robert Lawrence Friedman, writes in his 2000 soft-cover book, "The Healing Power of the Drum: A Psychotherapist Explores the Healing Power of Rhythm," how individuals through drumming can attain psychological, physiological and spiritual wellbeing. Clocking in at 208 pages, the book is both a personal account and an introductory guide to the subject in which he quotes many leading authorities on their experience drumming in different settings.

"The Healing Power of the Drum" is an easy to read and non-technical book that presents readers with ways they can achieve increased health benefits from the activity of drumming and shows innovative ways to enhance their own wellness. The author explores drumming and drums, such as the djembe and conga, from a multidimensional perspective, explaining the drum's ability to release anger, create joy, alter brain rhythms, induce trance, and create empowerment. The book includes cutting-edge research how Alzheimer patients have been able to stay focused for short periods with a drum in their hands. The book also discusses research into brainwave studies concluding how drumming has positively increased attention span.

Robert Friedman is currently president of Stress Solutions Inc., providing stress-management seminars to corporate clients and is also affiliated with the St. Barnabas Health Care System in New Jersey.

Labels: book.review, conga, djembe, drum, drumming, robert.friedman, the.healing.power.of.the.drum