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Christine Stevens, MSW, MT-BC, MA
Board Certified Music Therapist,
Director of Music Therapy & Wellness Programs,
Remo, Inc., Health Rhythms
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8 Therapeutic
Elements of Group Drumming
| 1. |
Drumming is accessible |
| |
it provides successful experiences to everyone
- young to old, handicapped to normal, people with no music experience. |
| 2. |
Drumming is good music |
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it involves improvising beautiful music. |
| 3. |
Drumming is expressive |
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it helps to control and release emotions and stress. |
| 4. |
Drumming is physical |
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it involves coordination of the body and mind, and
is good exercise. |
| 5. |
Drumming is powerful |
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the drum represents power so people feel empowered
to play it. |
| 6. |
Drumming is communication |
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it is a universal language. |
| 7. |
Drumming is bonding |
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it creates a feeling of support and connection. |
| 8. |
Drumming is cognitive |
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it requires perception, attention, and memory. |
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Group Drumming Research (Bittman et al, 2001)
| Preliminary Groups: |
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Resting control - reading magazines |
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Listening control - listened to drumming |
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Basic drumming - drumming teacher |
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Impact drumming - more drumming, less teaching |
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Shamanic drumming - meditation oriented |
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*Composite drumming - success-building
activities using percussion & drumming that combine 7 proven health
strategies:
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| i. |
nurturing/support |
| ii. |
exercise |
| iii. |
expression |
| iv. |
guided imagery |
| v. |
spirituality |
| vi. |
camaraderie |
| vii. |
music making |
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What we
studied
| 1. |
Natural Killer cells |
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- specialized white blood cells of our innate immune
system that seek out and destroy cancer cells and virally-infected
cells. |
| 2. |
Cytokines |
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Interleukin II and Gamma Interferon proteins essential
for cellular defense mechanisms produced by Type I Helper (Th1) cells. |
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What
we found with composite group drumming
| 1. |
Natural Killer cell activity was boosted in subjects
who drummed compared to controls. |
2.
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Natural Killer cell activity stimulated by Cytokines
(orchestrators or modulators of immune function) was boosted in subjects
who drummed compared to controls. |
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GROUP EMPOWERMENT DRUMMING is a comprehensive whole-person evidence-based
therapeutic approach.
Our Philosophy
| Group drumming is not about inspiring successful
drumming |
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it's about inspiring successful living. |
| Group drumming is not about exceptional performance |
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it's about exceptional support and personal expression. |
| Group drumming is not about teaching people to play |
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it's about giving people permission to play. |
| Group drumming's best facilitators are not necessarily
talented performers |
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they are caring, compassionate and intuitive guides. |
| Group drumming is not about becoming
an expert drummer |
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it's about sharing for the sake of personal empowerment. |
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7 Steps for Facilitating
Group Empowerment Drumming
| 1. |
Begin with the end in mind. |
| 2. |
Discover your own rhythm first. |
| 3. |
Listen to your group. |
| 4. |
Connect on many levels. |
| 5. |
Guide rather than lead. |
| 6. |
Inspire rather than perform. |
| 7. |
Create the healing metaphor. |
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Rhythm Activities
1. Shaker Breaker
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Breaking the ice by doing this game where we pass the
shakers around the circle to a rhythm. |
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2. Shaker Share
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The facilitator begins a simple rhythm on their drum.
Everyone makes up their own part & motion using shakers. One person
is selected for the group to imitate. Then we return to everyone making
up their own part again. |
3. Play your Name
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Have each play the rhythm of their name. Whole group
echoes it back to them. |
4. Guided Imagery Drumming
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Start with a brief relaxation exercise.
After beginning your story, provide a soft accompaniment. |
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