Our Approach to
Community and Recreational Drumming

Definitions

Drumming in Music Therapy: the ethical and therapeutic use of drumming as a rhythm-based strategy or intervention utilized to achieve a functional goal in areas of communication, academic, behavioral, emotional and cognitive health, social skills, gross and fine motor function, and/or to combat symptoms of specific disorders or mental illness.  Drumming in music therapy can only be conducted or facilitated by a board-certified music therapist to achieve specific goals and objectives providing prescribed directive, collaborative, and receptive techniques focused on music therapy domains (Das, 2011; Das, 2018; Matney, 2008). In music therapy the drum is used as a tool to meet specific needs in a structured intervention led by a board-certified music therapist. Drumming in music therapy may be passive (listening) or active (participating) and is adapted to the needs and abilities of the client or group.

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Community Group Drumming: structured drumming events planned and provided within a specific community or for a community event to express a common belief or interest. Community drumming works to break through cultural, racial and religious differences, encourage respect, inclusion and collaboration, start conversations and develop group dynamics. These groups may include a focus on diversity, emotional connections, public or private gatherings (e.g. education or business), mourning (e.g. traumatic events), celebrations (e.g. holidays or social events), networking and volunteerism (e.g. cancer awareness, veteran care, non-profit events) or spiritual growth (e.g. religious events), (Clare, 2008; Camilleri, 2002; Damm, 2015; Karow, 2019).

Recreational Drumming: functions as a structured and organized drumming group that promotes social interaction for fun and the sake of playing music together. Recreational drumming provides a safe and predictable framework for learning and communication. Common goals include meeting others, inclusion, belonging and acceptance as well as learning a new hobby or skill. Recreational drumming is a sharing experience generally considered an out of doors activity and may promote health benefits such as physical activity (Camilleri, 2002; Damm, 2015; Karow, 2019).

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Drum Circle: professionals in the United States and around the world have differing and changing views on drum circles. Arthur Hull, the modern father of the drum circle movement once explained that popular culture often perceives drum circles as free-form, not family friendly anarchist hippie gatherings (Mattingly, 2014). Drum circles are often associated with Shamanism, tribalism, public performance, music festivals, university gatherings, and the drug culture. Drum circles are specific activities that became popular in the United States in the 1960’s and have no direct connection to indigenous, tribal, cultural or spiritual functions. Group drumming in indigenous, tribal, cultural, Shamanistic and spiritual use have cultural functions dedicated to the indigenous peoples or groups that use specific techniques to achieve specific outcomes. Drum circles have also been described as self-organized or spontaneous events to promote social unity, and provide joy and self-expression through drumming (Das, 2018; Gardstrom, 2007; Kalani, 2002; Karow, 2019; Mattingly, 2014).