The drum plays an enormous role in maintaining our personal physical, mental and emotional well being regardless of age or ability.
At times we forget we were initially raised on rhythm. For nine months we hear our mothers heartbeat in the womb. We are surrounded by rhythm in our daily life – our heart beat, the blood coursing through our veins, the pace of our walk, our thoughts, the day becoming night, the rhythm of the tides and the cycles of nature. Yet despite all of this some of us have become disconnected from it all and ourselves.
Participating in a drum circles is a wonderful way to bring back that connectivity to ourselves and those around us be it friends, family, co-workers, or perfect strangers.
Drum circles offer the opportunity for:
- fun
- self-expression
- social interaction
- community building
- exercise for the mind, body, and spirit
- camaraderie and support
- multi-generational family connectedness
- development of key musical skills (rhythmicity, improvisation, ensemble playing)
Rhythms of Life Documentary A musical documentary experience. Very well-done, explains what drum circles are and why people love them. Check it out!
GROUP DRUMMING RESEARCH BENEFITS SUMMARY
- Strengthens the Immune System – Natural killer (NK) cell activity was significantly boosted in subjects who drummed compared to controls. Natural killer cells seek out and destroy cancer and virally infected cells in the body
- Reduces Burnout – Total Mood Disturbance in employees who drummed was improved by 46%, 62% six weeks after the intervention, suggesting that the benefits continue long afterward
- Cost-Effective – The health benefits and the reduction in burnout suggest increased work-force stability, lower employee turnover costs and significant return on investment for HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming.
- Reduces Stress – Recreational Music Making (including group drumming) has been shown to reduce the biological responses at the DNA level that can lead to the development of a host of common diseases, including cancer
- Saves Money – A HealthRHYTHMS study conducted at a long-term care facility resulted in a projected cost savings averaging $89,100 per year at a typical 100-bed long-term care facility
- Reduces Employee Turnover – Mood improvements experienced by study participants resulted in a projected 18.3% recuction in employee turnover.
Awaken Your Rhythm with Christine Stevens Interview with Christine Stevens, an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and music therapist. Holding master’s degrees in both social work and music therapy, Christine inspires people all over the world with her message that music promotes holistic health, spirituality, and wellness. August 2019
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