Therapeutic Drumming - A Strength Based Approach

Co-Author Information

Tatiana Rolles, Therapeutic Drumming Supervisor

James Harris Lead Therapeutic Drumming Facilitator

Presentation Abstract

Workshop will present information about and give experience in playing African drums in a group setting. This Intervention has proved to be very effective in helping students in distress learn new skills in emotional regulation and frustration tolerance which positively affect their success and happiness in the school setting. The workshop will consist of approximately 25% didactic content and 75% experiential activities.

Aggregate drumming produces a number of desirable effects. Individually, it is physically demanding enough that it improves cardiovascular health over time. At this intensity of physical activity the body also produces Beta-Endorphins, the body’s natural opiate, which helps the individual feel calmer and more grounded. Neurologically, several studies at Youth Villages has consistently shown that after 5 minutes of drumming the brain increases Alpha brain waves significantly, which is correlated with feeling calm and alert. Also, the 2 brain hemispheres synchronize; They begin to show equal use and engagement of both sides of the brain.

At the group level, we create a safe space in which to take risks. The basic rules and expectations, which are:

  1. Challenge by choice

  2. Agree to be respectful.

  3. It’s OK to make mistakes

  4. Everyone’s voice is welcome

  5. Do your best

help to encourage participants to take on tasks which they do not think are possible for them, and to increase their skills in these tasks over time. It helps the group to create a sense of identity and belonging that may have been lacking so far in their educational experience. The benefits derived from other group activities at school, such as band, sports, and the various school clubs works just as well with drumming. School climate is also positively impacted when African Drumming is added to the community. Schools begin to identify as a place where drumming and drumming performances are expected and valued. Drumming is a high intensity and dynamic presence in the agency.

The workshop will present this information didactically, with real-life stories to illustrate its efficacy, and experientially, where participants will actually experience the personal benefits.

Conference Program Description

This workshop will introduce the practice of using African drums as an effective Intervention for individuals with behavioral and emotional challenges. The format is about 25% didactic and 75% experiential. Topics covered include the neurological and social benefits to drumming in groups, research documenting positive outcomes from this approach, Trauma Informed Care and the use of drumming as a self-regulating activity. Participants will learn basic technique on djembe, several warm-up activities and a traditional rhythm.

Learning Objectives

  1. Participants will learn 2 neurological benefits from African drumming;

  2. Participants will learn about the use of African drumming as a self-regulating activity;

  3. Participants will learn about recent research documenting the positive effects of African Drumming.

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Therapeutic Drumming - A Strength Based Approach

Workshop will present information about and give experience in playing African drums in a group setting. This Intervention has proved to be very effective in helping students in distress learn new skills in emotional regulation and frustration tolerance which positively affect their success and happiness in the school setting. The workshop will consist of approximately 25% didactic content and 75% experiential activities.

Aggregate drumming produces a number of desirable effects. Individually, it is physically demanding enough that it improves cardiovascular health over time. At this intensity of physical activity the body also produces Beta-Endorphins, the body’s natural opiate, which helps the individual feel calmer and more grounded. Neurologically, several studies at Youth Villages has consistently shown that after 5 minutes of drumming the brain increases Alpha brain waves significantly, which is correlated with feeling calm and alert. Also, the 2 brain hemispheres synchronize; They begin to show equal use and engagement of both sides of the brain.

At the group level, we create a safe space in which to take risks. The basic rules and expectations, which are:

  1. Challenge by choice

  2. Agree to be respectful.

  3. It’s OK to make mistakes

  4. Everyone’s voice is welcome

  5. Do your best

help to encourage participants to take on tasks which they do not think are possible for them, and to increase their skills in these tasks over time. It helps the group to create a sense of identity and belonging that may have been lacking so far in their educational experience. The benefits derived from other group activities at school, such as band, sports, and the various school clubs works just as well with drumming. School climate is also positively impacted when African Drumming is added to the community. Schools begin to identify as a place where drumming and drumming performances are expected and valued. Drumming is a high intensity and dynamic presence in the agency.

The workshop will present this information didactically, with real-life stories to illustrate its efficacy, and experientially, where participants will actually experience the personal benefits.