The session’s duration depends on the dynamics of the group; between 40 minutes to one hour is a good length of time to aim for. While researching drum circles for this article, I realized just how valuable they could be for Recreation Therapists serving a variety of populations. ... exploring drumming traditions and the development of my drumming therapy, Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention (REI). Furthermore, it is vital to develop proper drumstick technique, practice swing pattern drum exercises, and use sticks that are heavier than your regular drum sets, so your usual drum sticks will feel better when you switch to them. A Drum Circle should be informal, entertaining, and satisfying. On the surface, beating on a drum may seem like a simple activity without much value. I thought this…, Recreation Therapy Activity Ideas: Drum Circles, On the surface, beating on a drum may seem like…, Why the Flow Theory is so Important for Recreation…, Let’s take a trip back to our undergraduate days and…, Need Recreation Therapy Continuing Education? When a person manages stress, their immune system has a better chance of fighting viruses, infections, and diseases. found new popularity in the United States during the 1960s counterculture movement. Drumming often played a big part in sacred rituals, such as shamans entering a trance state to connect with the spirit world, and Native Americans drumming during tribal ceremonies and spiritual festivals. You don’t have to be. Adding drum circles to your Recreation Therapy programming gives participants with all ability levels an opportunity for a social, expressive activity. These weekly sessions include: * Customized drum therapy exercises * Encouragement and drumming affirmations * Exercises to do at home (These are required.) Make sure to debrief the session afterwards to discuss the group’s progress. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the best drumming exercises that all beginners should know. : Different drums and percussion instruments have different sounds and volumes. Hopefully it inspires you to incorporate it into your Recreation Therapy practice. by … : Before handing out the drums, give a brief explanation about rhythm. Hold the golf club at its handle and standing with the arm at your side. Most featured images provided by photographer Jake Maciosek. There’s an awesome warm up that was originally published on Drum Articles — sadly, the website no longer is online. This lesson is available for you in the form of a pdf file–simply click on the link below. The focus will be on playing the first stroke of the right hand along with the right foot. these activities are adaptable for most populations. As you walked around, they would say you were getting warmer while getting close and colder if you were walking away from the object. The authors note that, “Drumming is a non-verbal, universal activity that builds upon a collectivistic aspect of diverse cultures and does not bear the stigma of therapy.” Following 12 weeks of school counselor-led drumming, vast improvements were observed in … Start counting slowly as each participant gets familiar with the activity. In addition, drum circles don’t necessary need a bunch of expensive equipment. Be careful not to play the double strokes the same way you played in the second exercise. Drumming induces deep relaxation, lowers blood pressure, produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma and reduces stress. They provide effective workouts for all sorts of different drummers, from grandmothers to fitness fanatics. 3 Music Therapy Techniques 1. http://drumaticinnovation.com/benefits-drumming, Running Recreation Therapy groups presents challenges regardless of the population.…, Too often individuals with disabilities and those in residential facilities…. Drums are an Important Part of our History. The activity could be simple or involved depending on your participants’ strengths and needs. The physical stimulation of hitting drums helps release or manage negative feelings and emotions. Next, you make the exact pattern leading with the opposite hand. © 2017-2020 The Real Recreation Therapist All Rights Reserved. Drumming is an excellent music tool for inducing light-hearted fun, positive addiction, and unhindered engagement. Research supporting the health benefits of recreational drumming are encouraging more and more people to start the practice. For this exercise, you can use a metal grip strengthener, squeeze ball, or even a tennis ball, as well as a bag of rice. It also relies on meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong, along with theater groups, walking, running, swinging, trampoline work, massage, equine grooming and other animal-assisted therapy…. If the group is progressing therapeutically, but not according to your plans, let them. However, when you get to its second half, the single strokes will change to double strokes at twice the tempo. Rhythmic activities and therapeutic drumming circles are among the most effective tools we have for creating a communal experience among residents with dementia. Drums appeared in just about every ancient culture includingAsia, Africa, North America, Europe, India, and the Middle East. Drumming releases endorphins–the same chemicals released after vigorous exercise–that make you feel better. With constant practice, you will be able to bounce the sticks to get double strokes and play with higher speed. It combines both single strokes and double strokes. : Drumming helps relieve stress that takes a toll on the body and immune system. Stress, according to current medical research, contributes to nearly all diseases and is a primary cause of such life-threatening illnesses as heart attacks, strokes and immune system breakdowns. : As with most Recreational Therapy groups, improvisation plays a big role–some groups learn and grow organically. If it sounds like a drum it is a drum no matter what it looks like or how it is made. From the shamans of Mongolia to the Minianka healers of West Africa, therapeutic rhythm techniques have been used for thousands of years to create and … Disclaimer Drumming Therapy. It doesn’t require the ability to read music or understand complicated instruments. Every drummer requires drum exercises, which are rhythmic patterns that help in developing drumming coordination and independence. Simple percussive instruments or even the the body (hands clapping, snapping, or tapping the thighs) are just as effective. What’s required: * Cooperation and commitment * A djembe drum. Drum circles often require a participant to use nonverbal skills like listening, gesturing, and mimicking. The first half of the rudiment starts by playing two alternating singles, before playing a double. Outerwave Media, LLC / 3215 Golf Road #141, Delafield, WI 53018, United States To become a professional drummer, one needs to master this rudiment down to perfection. A Drum Circle, as the name suggests, is a circle of people, each with a drum or another percussion instrument and one facilitator to lead the group. There are so many simple warm-up exercises you can use to improve your drumming. 'Drum Therapy is an ancient approach that uses rhythm to promote healing and self-expression. Check out my new book, Therapy Games for Teens, to get 150 simple, effective activities addressing common mental health issues. Chair exercise using cardio drumming for seniors and handicapped. Recently, drum circles are influencing health, wellness, and leadership groups. It’s based off sixteenth and triplet diddles. Alesis DM6 Review: A Pro Drummer’s Secret Weapon? : The mood-improving endorphins are also the body’s natural response to ease pain. A simple Google search of drum circles shows many organizations ready to bring the experience to youth groups, corporate team building events, and seniors. Did you enjoy this article? in a circle and drum together. After practicing these drum exercises, you can be assured that your speed, independence, and control will improve. Here…, Recertification time is here for Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS).…, An Unforgettable Holiday Season (Like it or Not). Have the group do their best to echo the beat. Drum Therapy Drumming is an ancient approach that uses rhythm to promote healing and self-expression. Not a musician? The following is just one example. 'Drum Therapy is an ancient approach that uses rhythm to promote healing and self-expression. Drumming. Now that you have a solid foundation of rudiments, let’s have a look at some practice pad warmups you should include in your daily routine. Drum circles can be spontaneous or use structured activities depending the prescribed outcomes of the group. Any type of drum will do. This activity can open up new avenues of transformation for your participants. It takes constant practice to be an excellent drummer. I’ve been playing for twenty-plus years. Created with Sketch. The therapist uses drumming to not only get patients involved in their therapy but … : Since just about anyone has the ability to drum or play an adaptive percussive instrument, drumming circles include everyone promoting self-confidence while decreasing isolation. It can cause you some pain at first, but the benefits and effect will prove invaluable to your drumming career. Once they get the hang of it, increase the tempo or change the order of the numbers. In addition, drumming has shown to increase T-cells–a type of white blood cell–helping the body find and destroy specific pathogens. As long as there has been drumming, groups have gathered to create music together. NEW YORK, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Drumsticks, pounded on gym floors, clinked overhead and bounced on exercise balls, are among the latest workout tools to tap into the group fitness scene, according to fitness experts. Drum rudiments are the building blocks for all beats, drum fills, or patterns you can play on the drum set. Gradually fade your voice and invite the group to play on their own. Do a short exercise where everyone claps their hands on certain beats. How To Play Polyrhythms Easily (With Audio Examples). You start with four alternating singles leading into a double and repeat the pattern leading with the opposite hand. How can I download for print with music notation this article? Drumming Teaches Discipline. Although drumming can be complex, it is also user-friendly enough that beginners can experience success. Paiste PST X Cymbal Series Review: Affordable Effect Cymbals. For those Activity Professionals who use drum circles regularly, we would love to hear from you! Our tribal ancestors integrated drumming into their cultures as far back as 5500 B.C using animal skins stretched over a hollowed wooden shell. Drumming is typically a group exercise. Drumming. In recent years, drumming has become increasingly popular in the Western World via Drum Circles. It … Your support is always appreciated. “Name Drumming” Activity Adapted from Cathy Malchiodi’s book, Creative Interventions with Traumatized Children. Unfortunately, many of our participants don’t have access to a Music Therapist. thump of the airwaves. Drum exercises aren’t like playing regular songs because the exercises were designed to develop your coordination and independence while drumming. When playing this third exercise, the first half begins just like the first exercise. If you have other exercises that can be helpful to drummers out there, please feel free to post them in the comments section below. Mastery of breath and movement. You could try a version of this game during your drum circle. Drumming is an excellent music tool for inducing light-hearted fun, positive addiction, and unhindered engagement. Marc Santa Maria of Crunch, the national chain of fitness centers, admits to living out his own rock fantasy as he instructs a drumming Crunch fitness class called Pound. Drumming. Induces deep relaxation. Did you enjoy this article? Then have the group try to express the mood together. Develop self-awareness and self-esteem. Explain each drum has value and plays a role in the experience of a drum circle. Posted Jan 22, 2015 More advanced players may play the snare patterns over rhythmic patterns that are more challenging.