What is a Drum Circle?

A drum circle is a musical gathering. But a drum circle is more than just the instruments and the act of drumming; it is also the shared experience of the participants. The drums and drumming are the vehicles that take the group to its final destination, a place where everyone has a voice and is empowered to use it, and where the creative spirit is shared by everyone in the circle.
A drum circle can be simply defined as "a group of people working together to create in-the-moment music using drums and percussion instruments. A drum circle is not a percussion ensemble performing a prepared piece of music, or a drumming class led by a teacher, nor any group that is re-creating music it has played before. It's a unique event that is spontaneously created by the participants, preferably with the help of a facilitator‹a musical guide who helps the group achieve its goals.
Drum circles are a form of recreational music making, which means that the focus is not on performance but rather on personal or group development and wellness, or just plain fun.

What is Recreational Music Making?

Recreational Music Making is:

• less about playing tunes and more about tuning into our playfulness;
• less about re-creating what others have done before and more about co-creating something in the moment;
• less about being on stage and more about reaching new stages of being;
• less about tuning out the environment and more about tuning into your heart.

Of course, the concept of recreational music making is nothing new. Before there were televisions, video games and the Internet, people would often gather in a living room or porch to sing songs, play their favorite tunes and drum out the rhythms of the day on a washboard or bucket. Thankfully, we seem to be remembering the importance of taking time to create music in a social atmosphere once again.

Why drums?

Percussion instruments were the first musical tools people created for use in group music making. They comprise the largest family of instruments, and virtually every culture on earth has some form of drumming. People all over the world use drums to celebrate life, explore their creativity, and unite in rhythm.
One of the best reasons to use drums is that they are accessible to most of us. Most people can find a drum or percussion instrument that suits their style. From beating out the pulse on a bass drum to adding a light shaker part, there¹s something for everyone in the world of percussion. From the earliest percussion gesture - striking two sticks or rocks together - to the use of specialized instruments such as congas and Djembes, drums have provided people of all ages and abilities access to music making.
Drums are truly instruments of the people.

We use drums because they:

• work well in large numbers;
• are generally inexpensive and easy to find or make;
• provide open access to music making;
• are portable, durable and convenient to store;
• offer variety and flexibility.

Community Drum Circles

Drum circles take place in parks, beaches, community centers, music stores, sacred sites, and homes. All kinds of people participate in community drum circles, from those who have some drumming experience and want to play their drum for a couple of hours to those who are looking for a doorway into the world of music making and find drumming both intriguing and accessible. Still, there are those who gather for spiritual reasons and others who are simply looking for an opportunity to socialize or try something different and be exposed to new ideas and people.


Benefits of a community drum circle include:

• new opportunities for socializing and making friends;
• an outlet for creativity and a forum for community music making;
• an open door to people who may not otherwise play music;
• a setting for spiritual growth and practice.
• develop your drumming skills and knowledge.
• improve your rhythm, timing and musicality.
• develop your leadership and presentation skills.
• develop your movement and dance skills.
• develop your understanding of social systems.
• enjoy a safe and supportive environment.
• learn through movement, voice, play and discussion.
• have so much fun, you won't believe it. 

"You never see a group of keyboardists jamming together, and even three guitar players in a room often can¹t get along, but you can have a group of 20, 30 or even 50 drummers playing together and they¹ll ask for more to join."