Drumming Circle - Enhancing Rhythmic Communication

Drumming Circle is an inclusive, interactive group with opportunities to make music with others. We encourage all people's participation on the percussion instruments provided and/or bring your own instruments. The group may facilitate development of social-emotional skills and encourage friendships.


Photograph 1: A variety of percussion are used including Samba djembe drums, Drumfire Bongos

Group participants create and make music through exploring rhythm, movement, and sounds. This encourages communication and social interaction. Individual sessions may be offered as well.

Drumming facilitates motor initiation, control and coordination. Motor control is required for signing, directional pointing and using augmentative communication devices.

The music-making may be helpful for expressing emotions. This is part of engaging in a meaningful, valued activity that is suitable for many age groups. Drumming can attract positive social attention and interaction. As far as possible, the drumming can be inclusive of cultural drumming traditions. Respected culture bearers are invited to share their knowledge and skills, if they wish to do so.

No special musical skills are needed, just an interest in sharing the music-making experience for enjoyment or learning. Christopher Small (1998, 1999) explains how many people can be involved with musicking--that is not confined to concert halls or performance by elite musicians.

Drumming circle groups are developed for adults or children and streamed according to age, abilities and support needs. Venues are selected according to participant's needs.

See examples of hand drumming videorecordings by Jorga Ochoa, Occupational Therapist on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@TamboRhythms1 

Medicare, NDIS, or private health funding may be possible for some individuals. Volunteers and support workers may be incorporated with the group to assist participants. Please phone to discuss your needs and involvement.

Please register your interest for 2024. For more information contact:

Sandra Kirkwood
Occupational Therapist 
B.Occ.Thy, B.Music, M.Phil (Qld Con, GU), Grad Cert Education

mobile 0488 624 362

References

Bruchhage, M. M. K., Amad, A., Draper, S. B., Seidman, J., Lacerda, L., Laguna, P. L., Lowry, R. G., Wheeler, J., Robertson, A., Dell’Acqua, F., Smith, M. S., & Williams, S. C. R. (2020, 2020/06/22). Drum training induces long-term plasticity in the cerebellum and connected cortical thickness. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 10116. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-65877-2   [Open access article]

Clare, A., Camic, P.M., Crutch, S.J., West, J., Harding, E., Brotherhood, E. (2020) Using Music to Develop a Multisensory Communicative Environment for People with Late-Stage Dementia, The Gerontologist, 60(6), 1115–1125, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnz169 [Open access article]

The Data Drummer Website -- Research   https://thedatadrummer.com/research   

Flores, K., van Niekerk, C., & le Roux, L. (2016) Drumming as a medium to promote emotional and social functioning of children in middle childhood in residential care, Music Education Research, 18(3), 254-268, https://doi.org/10.1080/14613808.2015.1077798

Jorga Ochoa Tambo Rhythm Group Drumming Videos at TamboRhythms Drumming - YouTube   https://www.youtube.com/@TamboRhythms1  

Lowry, R.G., Hale, B.J., Draper, S. B. & Smith, M.S. (2019) Rock drumming enhances motor and psychosocial skills of children with emotional and behavioral difficulties, International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 65(3), 152-161.   https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2018.1429041 

Small, C. (1998). Musicking: The meanings of performing and listening. Wesleyan University Press.

Small, C. (1999) Musicking — the meanings of performing and listening. A lecture, Music Education Research, 1(1), 9-22, https://doi.org/10.1080/1461380990010102  

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