Advice On Hand Drumming, Drum Circles & Facilitation
The intent of my page is to share ideas and suggestions for facilitating, or even just participating in community
freestyle drum circles. I hope some of this is helpful to you. I do offer facilitated drum circles, and teach hand
drumming. But by sharing experiences and information, I hope to help you to enjoy drumming and drum circles more.
Here's some of my fonder drum circle memories from events I hosted in a video slide show set to one of my mp3's.
I offer drumming lessons, workshops, and drum circles. I only provide drums with synthetic drum heads, because I
can clean and sanitize them after each use. Many of the people I work with are especially vulnerable to colds and flu.
Children, seniors, and special needs groups in particular. Also synthetic djembe, doumbek, and frame drum heads
are more durable, never need tuning, and are less expensive to replace. Personally, I prefer the sound and
feel of goatskin heads, but for me it's just not practical to use them in a group setting.
Can you drum even if you have never played one before, and think you have no rhythm at all? The answer is Yes.
In a matter of a few minutes, you can be playing drum rhythms, and making some beautiful music with your own hands.
The nice thing about drumming, is you can begin at any age and still have fun with it. And best of all, you only have
to buy a drum once, and it will last you forever if you take care of it. All most people need is one lesson, and they are
off and drumming. You can enjoy drumming alone or with friends. Playing a drum feels good if you are happy or sad.
I have had people tell me that they are under the impression that drum circle facilitators have to be certified. Okay,
doctors, dentists, lawyers, yes. I wouldn't want to use one that hadn't gone through the process of accreditation and/or
licensing. But, facilitators Don't have any kind of official governing body. Anyone can decide to teach, hold workshops,
etc. and then give out a certificate. But, all it means is that the person spent some money on training in one style of
facilitation. Like in any other field, some are better than others. Is certification necessary to facilitate drum circles?
No. Does it help? Yes. Their logo looks good on your resume, and sure it adds some credibility to you. Most of them cost
a lot also. Do you need certification by someone to work and earn a living? No. Individuals and companies both offer their
own brand of facilitation. One isn't necessarily better than another, some are promoted more, and widely known than others.
Practically speaking even if you are a newcomer you can buy a few books on the subject, watch a few videos, and get out
there and host a drum circle just fine. I think you learn the most by doing. Go to some drum circles, participate
and observe other facilitators. Would you only want to know one style of cooking to prepare dinners?
I think to a certain extent, a good drum circle is an extension of the old Bluegrass days of 100 years ago.
There were no cars, so people couldn't travel long distances. There was nothing to do for entertainment but
get together and get out the fiddles, washboards, spoons, jugs, drums, and sing and dance and make music.
For years, it was about the group ensemble, and the musicality. Any facilitating that needed to be done,
was done through the music, not by someone playing conductor. That concept still works. And, it brings
out the improvisational skills of the participants. It's a lot more fun, than being told what to play.
I provide facilitated drum circles for any age group, hand drumming workshops, and drumming lessons for
children and adults. I also teach live over the internet. Please scroll down for more information.
101 Drum Circle Rhythms DVD
An effective way to keep a drumming program, or drum circle interesting, is to have a wide variety of rhythms to draw from.
My 2 hour DVD of 120 hand drum rhythms makes ideal reference material. It's $15 and includes a free drum circle jam CD.
The 120 rhythms are also on 2 audio CD's for $10. The link is below for both of them. They are also available in mp3
format at most online retailers such as CDbaby.com for $10, as well as iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and most others.
More on facilitating drum circles, or having a drumming program.
Natural rhythm flows within us all. Our hearts beat to a rhythm, we walk to a rhythm, many aspects of our daily
lives are done to a rhythm. You even make love to a rhythm, (hopefully). Whenever we hear drumming, we begin
to move to the universal rhythm inside us all. The drum can connect your heart to your hands, and all of a sudden
you are improvising, and talking with a drum. We become the instrument, the drum becomes our voice. With drum
circles we connect beyond the music being played. The nice thing about drumming is that anyone, no matter
how old they are, can sit right down and have fun jamming on a drum with other people.
To briefly describe drum circle facilitation by me, it's putting a bunch of people together, & creating a band
out of them. It's fun to get to be in the band for a day. Friends, strangers, co-workers, beginners, or pros...
I like to begin a drumming session by letting everyone just choose something, sit down in the circle, and start
playing. This approach helps everyone to relax before the formal welcome, introductions, and then into organized
rhythms. The reason I encourage everyone to play first is the nerves, and the barriers just begin to melt away.
Later as the rhythms join together, everyone joins together. We join together musicially. The result is there is
no distinction between you or me. We just all sense the feeling of the one song we are creating in the moment.
This was the tried and true approach of the elders who would begin their gatherings, and ceremonies in this
fashion. They've been drumming that way for over 5000 years, so you kind of have to figure it's cool, right?
(But I am flexible, we can meet your vision whatever it may be.) Below is a sample from one of my facilitated,
yet freestyle drum circles. It is 7 one minute clips of different jams. This drum circle mp3 is 7MB in size.
I think idealy, a drum circle is a bunch of drums, and then a good jam session. The emphasis with me is on fun.
I believe in not telling people how, when, or what to play, ever. I like to focus more on self discovery.
I provide the tools for you to figure out the task. Here's some of them for you to do it with:
Now relax, I do offer a few pointers on holding a drum properly, some hand technique, volume, etc. I help guide
people to find their musical selves at their own pace. After the warm up jam, I begin the various drum rhythms
as a starting place, and the group takes it wherever it goes. It's kind of what we do when we are drumming at
the beach at freestyle drum circles, except in a bit more managed format. A good time drumming, and having fun.
The thing many don't understand about drum circles, is that it's more about the people, than it is the drumming.
Many facilitators agree with me on this, some don't. The quality of the music produced in a drum circle isn't
really based on the musical experience of the players, but on the developing quality of the relationships of the
people that emerge. As a facilitator I help people to empower themselves through drumming, music, and fun.
They need no experience at all to play in a drum circle. I encourage individual creativity, and group dynamics.
300 page book, "A Practical Guide To Hand Drumming And Drum Circles" is $17. A drum circle jam CD is included.
If your desire is to get much more in depth with this, please consider picking up my book. It goes into
starting a drum circle, or drumming program, and how to keep it fresh and interesting for all different
kinds of groups. I cover all of this, and much more in great detail. The page link for it is below.
A drumming circle is a rhythm based experience where a variety of world percussion hand drums from different
cultures are brought together. Ethnic drumming rhythms from many different parts of the world are explored.
That's part of the beauty of it. The Rhythms change, evolve and morph in a magical unpredictable way. The result
is spontaneous, beautiful music created by everyone involved. It's a musical event that everyone can participate
in. It's a place for everyone to express themselves with drums, and other percussion instruments. The level of
experience doesn’t matter. A person can participate fully, and freely, with no skill or technique at all.
Drum the Sun into the Sea at Clearwater, or Dunedin Beach...
One of our drum circle spots on the beach.
Whenever it's possible, I like to host drum circles that are outdoors connected with nature. Nature has a natural
rhythm to it, and so do we. Hand drumming brings us back to that fundamental rhythm of nature. I can help your
group to host a drum circle right here on Clearwater Beach, or at the Dunedin Beach. We can drum to the sunset.
More About Drumming And Drum Circles...
The phrase "Drum circle" is a rather broad term. It can mean a variety of things to different people.
Interestingly, drum circles are never the same, even with the same group. It is always fresh, enlightening,
and it's an exciting event for entire families. Here is an activity where parents and their children can do
something fun together. Teens can be doing something cool - yet positive. People with disibilities can just
be one of the guys at the drum circle. The feelings of fun and euphoria are hard to describe when the group
dynamic is created. It only takes about ten or fifteen minutes to start happening. Drum circles are fun man!
They combine recreation, with theraputic music. I feel what works the best, is to bridge the gap between the
facilitated drum circles, and the more open freestyle community drum circles. I bring you the best of both
worlds. This allows individuals to experience self discovery and musicality at their own pace.
Then the whole experience is much more meaningful to them, and even more effective.
Very little is planned in advance except maybe a list of rhythms to suggest. All the rest is improvised on the spot.
Most of the facilitating can be done through the music. The musical communication, supporting of the beat, and
ending points to a jam, are usually done with the drumming. Sometimes even transition points in the drumming
just naturally occur. The recognizing, and supporting the group's expression is a key element, because since
drum circles are so organic in nature, that to an onlooker, there are times that look like absolute chaos is
going on...but it's an organized chaos. It levels out into a group song, and it uniquely theirs. They created
it. Usually there is a transition point, or a time to just move on to a new rhythm. It takes time to trust in the
natural process of creating a group vibe. A lot of people WANT there to be lots of rules, true in business
world, true in art world, so it's not surprising to find it here in the drumming world.
Culture Day drum circle in Pasco County. Celebrating Black History Month.
So to try and sum up the difference: In my opinion, a freestyle or lightly facilitated drum circle is more open,
improvised, and more spontaneous. Interactive drumming is more planned, structured, and directed - a little
heavier in the facilitation department. It's mainly facilitated with everyone focused on following the leader's
instructions. I think as soon as you start to present rhythm games or activities, it's no longer a drum circle but,
an interactive drumming thing. And thats's ok and all. But people are now following instructions, and doing
a more structured activity other than improv. I think a little of both of these styles makes the most enjoyable
drum circle experience. I think the best thing to do is just attend public drum circles by all the facilitators you
can find near you, and study what they do, and how they deal with various situations. If you're considering
taking classes, or training I think it's a good idea, but I suggest auditing a class first. It is possible to
facilitate drum circles for a living, but everybody is cutting back these days, especially in the arts.
One way to get established is to be visible in your community. Get a weekly circle started at a cafe, night club,
museum, yoga, recreation art center. At city parks, even at the beach. Try to get any venue you can think of.
A weekly circle is better than monthly, because people tend to forget what week it is being held. You may only
make $100 a circle, a commission, tips, or even need to do it for free, but it will give you a home base, plus
you will be doing something positive for your community. It may take 4 or 5 circles to get things rolling, but
once you do, medical professionals, event planners, and even the media will eventually find you. That leads
to higher paying gigs. You might even get jobs working for your city, or county at festivals, etc.
Another way many facilitators earn a decent living is to approach your city or county arts council. Depending
on the city you live in, they can possibly hook you up with city events, festivals, art shows, and even get work
in the school system. If another drum circle facilitator gets to your arts council before you, that can be a problem.
Some end up getting non profit corporations going. They get donations from local businesses, and make a nice
living that way. Some medical, special needs facilities, and schools can apply for grants to help you to
fund your work, but you may have to work for free for awhile in order to prove yourself first.
Whether it is hosting, or facilitating a drum circle, I do the very best I can to help really make a difference.
I can offer something that is unique to you, or you and your group. Below is a link to letters of recommendation.
I began and hosted this other weekly drum circle at the Dunedin Brewery for two years. It still goes on
to this day, years later. Many night spots, pubs, and cafe's are struggling to find working formulas
for weeknights in this ever slowing economy. Read a little about how I got this one started.
The techniques and skills needed to host a drum circle for a particular group can be taught, if you want them.
And that is one of the key things I like to do when I'm hired to host a drum circle for you. I can show you and
the staff how to continue the process on their own when they feel they are ready to take over. It's not necessary
to have any musical training in order to learn the essential basics, although those who have a musical background
do have an edge. I do this at no cost beyond what I am being paid to facilitate a drum circle, as mentioned in
my letters of recommendation link above. Drum circles need to be customized sometimes, to fit the
particular needs of the people, or the group it is being held for.
I have worked with everything from highly professional musicians, to adults and children with mental or physical
restrictions. And, each individual group needs a slightly different approach, since everyone has their own skills,
limitations, and quirks. It can take anywhere from just a single drum circle to as many as four to work out the
ideal approach for a specific group. However, I never require any kind of contract beyond a single day at a time.
In addition to demonstrating how to host a drum circle by my doing it, I am happy to spend some time with the
staff to answer questions and help them to work out their own way of facilitating for their own group as soon
as possible. I provide drum rhythms CD's - DVD’s and drumming rhythms notations as reference material,
free of charge. I'm also happy to share with you the various places I buy my drums from.
Different types of drums work for different types of people.
It doesn't matter whether or not the music itself sounds good, although it usually does. What matters is letting
the participants know they can just be themselves and find their own inner rhythms. By letting people discover
themselves, and knowing they have the freedom to make mistakes, takes them on a journey where I only act as a
sort of a tour guide, and they find that feeling of safety from being in a community made up of the other drummers.
I help to provide that by being constantly tuned in to the group and the individuals, so they can have a good time.
Helping someone who says, " I have no rhythm " to find their own inner sense of rhythm takes very little guidance
and can be done spontaneously right in the middle of an ongoing beat. You can see the light turn on in their face.
I prefer to work with smaller groups from 3 to 30 people. After all, I'm just one guy over here. But more
importantly, I can provide much more personalized and individual attention this way. I can work with up
to 60 participants, and that's about it. I think a drum circle larger than that takes a little away from the
authentic drum circle experience, and the musicality is somewhat limited when you get a larger group.
2 views of a drum circle birthday party I hosted in Pinellas County. Cool idea! Three views of the "Jazz on the Green" children's drum circle event.Get some hula hoops, add hula hooping to your drum circle for some real fun!
Lay down with your eyes closed for a minute in the center of the drum circle. Powerful stuff!
Hand drumming is fun, rewarding, and can be therapeutic for everyone. From kids to elders. I am also available
for private hand drumming lessons in person, in the Tampa Bay area. It's a great way to add music education for
those who home school. From beginner to intermediate. All ages. Very reasonable rates, and personalized lessons.
I provide the drums, and will travel to you, or can come over to my studio. Please email me for more info.
Small Business, Team Building Or A Company Drum Circle?
It's becoming a more and more common idea. Host a drum circle for your buisness, company, or group of friends.
Drum circles can be extremely effective for companies that want to enhance the generation of new ideas and better team
work. When people discover that they can collectively produce a good sound without any musical training or background,
they start to realize that they can be more effective at work by putting their heads together and working as a team.
Also, drumming uses the brain in a different pattern than the linear thought process that is usually needed in the work
environment. For example, when suggesting a drum circle rhythm, I like to vocalize the first few measures before
we play it. The logical analytical side of the brain can process it quicker, which then frees up the
creative intuitive side. People can then play what they feel, rather than over thinking it.
ie: The Heartbeat drum rhythm: Boom Boom chicka-chicka Boom Boom (pause, & repeat)
A drum circle brings the group to a more open mental and psychological process, which can be carried over
to the production of new and better ways of working. An excellent tool to kick off any kind of brainstorming session
and optimize the quantity and quality of new ideas. In other words, your team improvises and is more creative.
Click the link below for more detailed information on having a corporate, company, or a small business drum circle.
The Earth Day Drum Circle at Honeymoon Island, Florida
This drum circle event was a blend of local musicians, the general community, and a special needs group.
A key part of the intent of groups that are oriented toward those with physical and/or mental restrictions is
finding ways to bring them into general society as much as possible. It has been my experience that drum circles
are an excellent path to this goal. The guiding of a special needs group in our community led to exactly that, a
two hour performance on a big stage in front of 100's of people, where they were wildly applauded, appreciated,
and sounded great. It was a proud moment for them, and for me. I believe that real personal growth comes from
the inner expression of each individual, and their self discovery. The photos speak for themselves.
Here's 1 photo from the Earth Day Drum Circle celebration up on the big stage. This was a huge public event, so it was a
proud defining day for all of us. Many of the drummers on stage are members of an adult special needs group I work with.
I believe in seeing abilites in people, not disabilities. Click below for more photos, & a video set to drum circle audio.
A drum circle is hardly ever a professional ensemble playing prepared music, or a drumming class. It’s a unique event that
is created by just real people, preferably with the help of a host, or facilitator, who acts as a musical guide to make it
easier for the group to achieve it’s goal. I don't want you to be a drummer. I just want you to be able to enjoy drumming.
For me, this is about taking the gift of music that God gave me and sharing it with other people. One of the beautiful things
about drum circles and drumming together, is that it can bring people from all different paths together, and even learn to
respect each other's faith. I love to celebrate my spirituality by being around the positive energy of drum circles.
Drumming brings a certain beauty into the world. And I believe I was put on this earth to share that gift.
A life is not measured by what we have, but what we give.
A little history on hand drumming. (It goes back 1000's of years. Hello History Channel!)
Community drumming has been an ancient musical tradition for 1000’s of years in almost every part of the world. Drum playing
is probably as old as intelligent man. Cavemen probably jammed on wooden logs. The idea of banging on something to make noise
is second nature to us. As for me, my parents got me my first drum so I would stop making drums out of things in the kitchen.
As far as I could tell, the oldest recorded drum discovery is from 6000 BC excavated from a Neolithic Era archeological dig.
Small drums used for ceremonies have been found in Egyptian tombs. See that? King Tut was probably jamming out. Many caves
in Peru contain wall carvings depicting drums in various aspects of societal life. Indian drums from the Middle East are as
old as 5000 BC, and Mesopotamian ruins have yielded cylindrical drums as old as 3000 BC. Native American Indians have
a rich history with drums made of gourds, and wood for celebrations, ceremonies, and music.
Many of the same styles of these drums are still used to this day.
Drums and percussion were the first musical tools people made for use in group music. Drumming was used for a variety of
purposes, including communication. In Africa for example, drumming was not just a form of music, it was used as a speech.
A rhythmic pattern of beats played a certain way could communicate a variety of information. Drums were used for things
like fertility, a new birth, healing, grieving, emotional release, various types of ceremonies, & building communities.
Below are some basic drum circle chair setups prior to the start.
Just to give you an idea, here's some chair set ups for indoors, and outdoors.
What's My Role As A Drum Circle Host Or Facilitator?
I facilitate the drum circle, and provide all the necessary drums and other smaller instruments for you. All we need is some
chairs, and shade. My fee is for the cost of the equipment, wear and tear, and the hauling of all the drums. The playing part
I pretty much do for free. Because I love doing this. It's that simple. I was hoping I had you sold on the idea by now, but
here it is again in a little bit more detail. Some people think the drums just magicially appear, and they can play them.
Trust me, they don't, and they are expensive. I provide the drums for you, and I create a welcoming, enjoyable atmosphere that
helps everyone to make music together. Or simply put, to help make it easy for everyone to enjoy creating a group musical song.
I’m there to help guide and make it easier to participate, not to manipulate. I’m trained to help everyone feel comfortable in
the group setting, and act as a rhythm starter when needed. Then everyone begins to experience their own creativity, fun, and
excitement as they begin to improvise on the support rhythm. After a brief warm up, and demonstration of some basic hand
technique, a variety of easy to play along rhythms from various cultures are explored, including our own.
We can try out some Rhythm & Blues, Belly Dancing, African, Latin, and Funk rhythms. We can do some more mellow,
grooving, more danceable beats, and whatever feels good to you. I use a variety of ideas and activities if needed.
I’m there to help assist the group to orchestrate their hand drumming into musical compositions.
The chairs are arranged in concentric circles, with an arrangement of professional level drums for people to choose from.
I believe everyone should experience the real thing in a musical instrument. Especially someone new to drumming. There is
a huge difference in sound. You can't experience the full range of sound and tones on a cheap djembe. Cheap drums sound...
well, they sound like cheap drums. That's why I provide professional grade drums. So you can sound as good as you possibly
can. Real drums from many different cultures. The good stuff. Goblet drums like nickel plated Alexandria Doumbeks from Egypt,
brass and copper etched Darbukas from Turkey, Latin Percussion Giovanni Congas, Paulo Mattoli Remo djembes, and many other
various percussion instruments for people to choose from and play. I even have a concert model washboard.
Who would have thought there even was such a thing? So I had to have it of course.
Some More Hand Drumming, Drum Circle Advice, And Opinions
Well obviously, I have a 300 page book for sale on these subjects. It would help out if you bought it from me, but I'm
happy to offer any advice, or give my opinion, and answer questions on anything hand drumming, or drum circle related.
I teach 1 on 1 hand drumming lessons a lot. I think more important than the lessons, is finding the right drum for yourself.
One that's right for your hands, for your body, and your soul. No matter what your musicial skill level is, 90 percent of the
people I work with only actually need one drumming lesson to get them started and off on their drumming journey. But it's
more important that they find the proper drum that is right for them. Different styles of drums work for different kinds of people.
There is one out there that's right for you, or someone you know. I am more than happy to give you my opinion on what might
be the right drum for you. My DVD or CD of rhythms is an ideal resource to practice with. Then it's off to the drum circle where
you get the very best drumming lessons. Just learn from watching what the others do. That's how many of us got started.
If you live out of the Florida area, and need some advice, suggestions, ideas, or anything at all about hosting any form of
drum circle, I am more than happy to try and help you along. I like to try and give back a little, and help anyone in the
drumming community. If you look around my site, you will find lots of ideas and helpful information. Even if you arn't sure
what kind of drum might be right for you, or your group, just email me and I will try to help you along. I don't sell many
drums, but I do have years of experience with most major brands, styles, and retailers. I can recommend the places to you
that I buy mine from. If you are wanting to host or facilitate drum circles, I think this art form has evolved a lot in the
last ten years alone. All art forms can be very subjective. There used to be only one or two recognized accepted ways to
facilitate drum circles. Now there are dozens of styles all around the world, because this is an ever evolving art form.
Think of how MMA (mixed martial arts) has evolved. It used to be if you were proficient at Judo, Karate, wrestling, or some
other martial arts discipline, just being an expert at one style, you could get by. It's not like that anymore. The ones who
are the most well rounded in all the different styles do the best now in mixed martial arts. And drum circle facilitation is
somewhat similar in this fashion. We have all these diverse different cultures that each have their own style of drumming, &
ways of group drumming. So in my opinion, the way to become the best, is to try and learn from as many different facilitators
as possible. And also learn as many cultural styles as possible, so you can be more well rounded in your skills, and work with
any group under any circumstances, and on the fly! Try to study, or study with as many professionals as you can. The learning
process should never end, because we are in an ever changing field. Your individual style that you develop can be uniquely
yours, a combination of the best of all of them. It takes a lot of work to be a good drum circle facilitator that can adapt,
and make drastic adjustments on the fly, that understands how group dynamics work, and can still enhance musicality.
Scientific research is now validating the health benefits experienced by drumming. Across the nation, organizations
are bringing together people of diverse ages, cultures, and even work teams through the community building of the
drum circle. Here's one below. More of these articles and studies can be read on the home page: drumcircles.net
Read about Drum circles, and myself in the news at TBO.com (click the link below)
(Please note, this link redirects you to the Tampa Bay Online website)
I've been attending and facilitating drum circles for over 30 years. I've facilitated drumming events for The U.S. ARMY
Chief Of Chaplains Religious Education Conference, to the Florida Festivals & Events Association's Convention Trade Show,
Jazz Festivals, County State Fairs, as well as many other major groups and companies, including OSI Restaurant Partners,
Outback, on over to smaller groups, such as college sorority reunions, and special needs populations.
I’ve released three solo drumming instructional DVD's and CD's worldwide, and I've got some ink in my blood, I'm also a published
author in newspapers, in a couple of books, and self published my own book. I'm not a licensed medical practitioner, and I have no
medical degrees in music therapy. However I do have extensive experience working one on one, and in groups teaching drumming
to children and adults with ADHD, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Neurologically Injured Individuals,
and many more. (This is also mentioned in my letters of recommendation link above, by Dr. William M. Hammesfahr M.D.)
I see abilities in people, not disabilities. That's one of the reasons I get results with drumming.
I've been playing the drums since 1968. My love for drumming started as an outlet for childhood hyperactivity, and I went on
to be the lead snare drummer in the school marching band, and the percussionist in the symphony. I've played percussion in
various bands & orchestras, been a working session musician, toured and recorded with The Manhattan Skyline, Soul Corruptors,
& a number of others. I was a faculty member, & taught hand drumming at The Dunedin Fine Arts Center. For 15 years I performed
in a number of TV shows, and commercials in Los Angeles. I was also a guest performer on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" for
8 Seasons. I'm a member of AFTRA/SAG, the two major performing arts unions. I have trained with a number of highly respected
hand drumming instructors. My drum circle hosting and facilitation style is influenced by what I've learned from various top
rated drum circle facilitators, including Christine Stevens, Kalani, Jim Greiner, Arthur Hull, Jim Donovan, and Babatunde
Olatunji. But more so by just attending lots of drum circles, learning by doing, watching and working with the pros.
Drum Circle Finder - Locate A Drum Circle Near You
Find a drum circle near you in the USA, and Worldwide with my drum circle finder. 1000's of drum circles listed
around the globe. It's a free service to the drumming and dancing community. It was established in 1999.
Drum circles are becoming more popular, there's probably a few in your state. The drum circle finder is updated monthly.
Notated Drumming Rhythms on the drumcircles.net FaceBook Page:
If you are on FaceBook, this page of mine has a variety of notated drum circle rhythms you can scroll through.
There's a few more rhythm ideas below, like the backyard drum circle.
Lots of Helpful hints, ideas, suggestions, stories, and drumming tips. Drum circle rhythm notations, and much more.
Some of the topics include: Picking that first djembe drum. Improving your drum circle facilitating or hosting style on
a budget. Ways to get the word out and promote your drum circle. Trying to earn a living hosting drum circles. What that
first drum circle was really like. Various ways to notate, vocalize, and start a drum circle rhythm. Reading written drum
music. A long list of notated rhythms to try out in different styles. Drumming Via Webcam, And With Special Needs Kids.
The 3 lyric Version Of Fanga, and lots more fun stuff to help you and your group to enjoy drumming more.
How I do the Moose Call on the Conga Drums (Or Glissando lesson)
This is how I do the Moose Call on the conga drums. It's a short video lesson on how I get that elusive "moose call"
sound out of a conga drum. It adds a new dimension (almost a voice) to your conga drum. I'm playing a set of LP's Latin
Percussion "Patato" congas with Evans synthetic conga heads. It also works on cowhide. It takes a few tries to master it,
but once you do, you will love adding it into a riff, or enhancing a song's flavor. It's a cool move to add into a song,
or for out at the drum circle. It always gets an Ohh or Ahh from somebody.
The only thing is, the video is pretty grainy, and very poor quality. So try to minimize the video screen as much as
possible to see it the best, It's only a minute or so long. Enjoy! It was taught to me many years ago. When I first saw
it done back in the 60's, I was like, "Man, I got to learn how to do this!" It's almost a trade secret. So this is about
sharing information with fellow musicians. I believe we should be supportive, and share tips. I wish I had invented it!
I get a nice one off there at the end of the video after I show how I do it. A very light coat of bees wax rubbed on the
conga head is the secret to doing it very easily. Some musicians use a little saliva on their finger to do it, but that
takes extra time, plus it's not the most sanitary thing to do either. That's why I use the bees wax, I can get the sound
a lot faster, even in heavy humidity we have outdoors here in Florida.
The moose call is also called the Glissando in some cultures. You can get a big hunk of bees wax for like 5 bucks online.
Now with a little practice, you can call the mooses during a solo. LoL
Here is a quickie djembe drum lesson (1 Min) from the movie, "The Visitor". It helps explain, don't think, just play.
I love this quote: “Don't count - feel. When the math comes in, the joy goes out.” - John Diamond, on drumming.
Notating A Drum Circle Rhythm & Suggesting A Drum Beat To A Group Of Drummers
There's a variety of different ways I like to use to notate a drum rhythm. It's really a matter of personal preference,
and what ever you find the easiest for you to use. Here's some various ways I've seen to notate a drum rhythm.
Using one of these methods, you can quickly and clearly transcribe a drum rhythm to save it for another day.
The accented strokes, (or slaps) are all in caps. Most rhythms at drum circles are in 4/4 time, or 6/8 time.
Here's an example with the basic "Fanga" drum rhythm in 4/4 time notated a few different ways:
Gun go-do-go Gun-Dun go-Do (Also, pa & ta are used in some rhythms.)
(As far as I know, a style taught by Babatunde Olatunji. Probably the most common, and well known method.)
-------------------------------------------------------
Doum tek-ka-tek Doum-Doum tek-Ka (Middle Eastern style)
(or in shorthand = D t-k-t D-D t-K)
-------------------------------------------------------
Boom chickaChick Boom-Boom chicKa
-------------------------------------------------------
B o-o-o B-B o-O
-------------------------------------------------------
Bass=B, Slap=S, Rim Shot=R, Open Tone=O, Closed Tone=C, Muffled Bass=M (I don't use this one very much)
-------------------------------------------------------
If it's dark, and I'm in a hurry, which is usually the case: I use Morse Code _ ... __.. (Morse Chart on home page.)
-------------------------------------------------------
I've seen some others use this method: R l-r-l R-L r-L
-------------------------------------------------------
Or, very basic: B= bass tone, T= tone note, S= slap note, lower case letter for softer tones.
-------------------------------------------------------
Jazz scatting - Just write down what it sounds like.
Boom sha-ka-la Boom-Boom sha-Ka, or Ba-Dum BaDay Ba-Dum BaDum, etc. Maybe even make up your own method.
When I'm suggesting a rhythm to play. I like to vocalize the first few bars of it before I begin playing it, & I start it
out very slowly, then I can gradually bring it up to the desired tempo (speed) once they are comfortable with it. I always
mention that this is just a starting point, and you don't have to play this support rhythm, play whatever you feel fits.
Interestingly, I've found that most people can wrap their heads around it quicker if I vocalize sounds with a "K" in them.
ie: Boom chicka-boom Chick. Or, Doum tekka-doum Tek. Or, I just "scat" them out jazz style any way I can think of.
Another idea is drumming to common word phrases, rhymes or well known commercial jingles to get things rolling.
ie: "Yum, Yum, tastes like chic-ken" (D, D, t k t-k) or try "pep-per-oni-Piz-Za" (t-k-t-k D D)
When I'm working with beginners I like to use this style, and explain the different sounds like this:
Doum (D) – Right hand, clear, low tone, (from center of drum – like you’re bouncing a basketball, or on a trampoline)
Tek (t) & Ka (k) – Right & Left hand, crisp high tone (sharply striking the edge of the drum head) I've heard some say
to pretend like you are hitting the bottom of a hot frying pan or stove burner. I don't like to say that, because
right away, it associates drumming with pain. That's not something I want to do, especially with beginners.
Tek (T) - is usually played with the dominant hand. Reverse hands if you are left-handed, like me. The accented strokes (or slaps) are in caps.
I hope this helps you to notate rhythms a little faster, & makes it a little easier to suggest rhythms to your group.
101 Drum Circle Rhythms DVD
An effective way to keep a drumming program, or drum circle interesting, is to have a wide variety of rhythms to draw from.
My 2 hour DVD of 120 hand drum rhythms makes ideal reference material. It's $15 and includes a free drum circle jam CD.
The 120 rhythms are also on 2 audio CD's for $10. The link is below for both of them. They are also available in mp3
format at most online retailers such as CDbaby.com for $10, as well as iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and most others.
7 Djembe Rhythm Samples. (Please keep in mind these are only 20 seconds each, and they're a full minute long on the DVD.)
Drumming With 7 Fire Dancers and Flutes at the Clearwater Drum Circle
Fire spinners, poi, firehoops, & more. It's a spontainious gathering, just for the love of performing and playing.
The rhythm we are drumming to is a Beledi - Zaffah variation, Boom chick-a chick, Boom Boom badachick-a-chick-a boom.
(Sort of made it up on the spot, lol)
I do some charity work around the Tampa Bay area. Such as The Nina Harris Exceptional Center, The Florida Sheriff's Youth
Ranches, PARC - The Pinellas Association for Retarded Children, The YMCA, and a number of other organizations. There is
a little wear and tear on the hand drums and percussion I provide at these events. I don't recieve any funding, and never
have in the past. The proceeds from the sales of my drumming CD's, DVD's, and drum circle book helps me to do this kind
of work in our community. I try to provide them at as reasonable a cost as possible. As an independent artist, money is
tight, so I always appreciate a product that is a good value for the cost. That's the idea behind my book, CD's & DVD.
Thanks in advance for helping us out with drum repairs, and expenses. (Please scroll up for the link to my 300 page
book, "A Practical Guide To Hand Drumming And Drum Circles". $18. It includes a free drum circle CD.)
Our performance group Sheesha Bellydance And Drum. We provide interactive shows around the area. Please email me with any
questions about rates or availability. We can tailor a custom program to meet your vision if it's a performance you have
in mind, or a facilitated drum circle. I can also recommend local dancers, bellydancers, professional hula hoopers,
and fire spinners to you. I respect your privacy, and never share email addresses with anyone.
Promotional Events like "The Visitor" Movie Opening in St. Pete.
This movie came out, titled "The Visitor" with drum circles and hand drumming in it. We got permission to have a drum
circle at the opening of the film in the theater lobby. (Check out the link with photos, video, and more below.)
I think "The Visitor" movie was a pretty good film. This was one of the most refreshing and likeable films that emerged
from the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. It was a lot more than just a feel good film. It showed how drum circles can help
to bring people from different cultures together. And how hand drumming is accessable to all people. It even showed how
it can help you to be a better person. Anyway, here's my review of the movie from a drum circle lover's perspective, also
a review of the drum circle just before the opening. It was a blast for us all to blow out the lobby of the theater with
a kickin' drum circle, and then go in and all watch the film together. This movie was a lot more than just some bored
uptight professor who discovers the djembe and tries to get hip. I've seen the DVD used for under $5 at Amazon.
Here's a great rhythm idea to try out at your drum circle. The Back Yard Drum Circle 2006. Always a group favorite.
I offer drumming lessons over the internet, same price. Please email me for more information. You need a 2MP webcam.
I know dreambooks are a bit old school now, but this one has survived the test of time. Got a comment, helpful hint,
suggestion, or a drumming event going on? Post it here on the drumcircles.net bulletin board.
Read or Sign the Dreambook Link
"Typically, people gather to drum in drum circles with others from the surrounding community. The drum circle offers
equality because there is no head or tail...The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and
themselves. To form a group consciousness. To entrain and resonate. By entrainment, I mean that a new voice, a
collective voice, emerges from the group as they drum together." -- Mickey Hart, Drummer for The Grateful Dead
"I am the drum...you are the drum...we are the drum..."
-- Babatunde Olatunji
"Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything & every human action revolves in rhythm."
-- Babatunde Olatunji
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present."
-- Babatunde Olatunji
"Whether you realize it or not, we are engaging in a cultural revolution. We are bringing people from all levels of life,
understanding and background together. That's the wonderful thing about drumming."
--Babatunde Olatunji
"The Creator wants us to drum. He wants us to corrupt the world with drum, dance and chants. After all, we have already
corrupted the world with power and greed....which hasn't gotten us anywhere - now's the time to corrupt the world
with drum, dance and chants."
-- Babatunde Olatunji
![[IMAGE: drum circles book]](drumcirclebook.jpg)
![[IMAGE: dunedin drum circle spot]](dunedin drum circle spot.jpg)
2 views of a drum circle birthday party I hosted in Pinellas County. Cool idea!
Three views of the "Jazz on the Green" children's drum circle event.
Get some hula hoops, add hula hooping to your drum circle for some real fun!
Lay down with your eyes closed for a minute in the center of the drum circle. Powerful stuff!
