Tap into more wellness through the power of drumming together
Neuroscience of music has discovered the profound benefits of music improvisation. Oxytocin the hormone known for its positive effects acts as a social bonding agent, fostering feelings of empathy and trust and relationship building.
When we are engaged in spontaneous rhythmic music-making together, such as in a drum circle, oxytocin is released in the blood stream which naturally harmonises and strengthens the bond between us.
Our sensitivity to pain is also lowered, as the levels of stress hormone cortisol decreases. Overall improvisational music making or group drumming with others is clearly great for our wellbeing and an effective therapy that improves our quality of life and our community.
Drum circles are clearly great for community, workplace and schools as the origins are spontaneous rhythmic music-making. Remember a drum circle is totally different to a drum class? We are improvising, using different parts of the brain, where in drum classes we are taken through learning particular rhythms and patterns, which brings us into the thinking brain.
Learning rhythms are fun and help expand our rhythmical language, so the next step is letting go of what we have learnt and tune into the unknown and wonder of music improvisation with others.
The drum circle draws us totally into the moment, directs our focus to the here and now, letting go of fear and judgement. Powerful stuff!
Drumming together creates a positive impact on the social level that naturally increases cooperation and harmony whether in the workplace as a team-building activity or wellness program, as a community engagement program and in our schools. It’s all inclusive, no matter the age, gender, culture.
And boy… haven’t we needed in person connection, where we can experience the energy within the room, make eye contact face to face, maybe a hug and feel the energy of someone’s smile.
Where to from here? What can we do to enhance our improvisational rhythm skills?
The past few years has demonstrated people’s wellbeing drop to a disturbing low level. The isolation has taken its toll on many. From my personal experience after 2 years of strong on and off again lockdowns in Melbourne, my own mental health started to drop.
I feel the need for music as wellness interventions such as group drumming (rhythmic music circles), that can transform people and communities across the globe. The value of being together in the same room, and expressing what is in our hearts, sharing our unique spirit gives us a profound sense of hope, belonging, joy and deep connection – it really is beyond words.
Are you with me? Can we do this together?
With a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades of globetrotting as a performer, teacher, student, and facilitator, there is one undeniable truth that I have come to understand: when individuals unite in the spirit of connection, the transformative power of rhythmic music emerges as a remarkable bridge, fostering a sense of belonging.
I’m on a mission to bring as much harmony to the globe as possible by helping those build leadership qualities to serve their community in learning drum circle facilitation and yes along the way build rhythmic confidence.
Just imagine those who have a drum at home, asked one other person, to join in once a week or fortnight and drummed together, with the foresight to grow the circle. Adding more people, and then more people. Building a strong harmonious trusting community. This is leadership. Care… I mean deeply care for our community.
What would that look like? What would it feel like… just imagine for a moment… close your eyes. Maybe YOU are a great leader waiting to be discovered?
Just by learning simple drum circle facilitation skills might be the nudge to get that confidence up to bring positive change in your community?
By recognising our shared humanity and embracing unity, we can embark on a journey to create a harmonious world, by sharing a common outlet, music.
Would you like to learn how to facilitate rhythmic music circles for your community?
I will be running a half day sample introductory training in Melbourne coming up Thursday 7 September 2023. Catch the Earlybird discount! Limited places available.
Please book early there are limited places available, find out more about my Positive Music facilitator training and register your interest.
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Music benefits… don't just take my word for it… find out more from TEDx talk with Neuroscientist and musician Alan Harvey.