Drum circles are a fun and engaging way to connect with people and create music together. They can be done in a variety of settings, from community events to team-building exercises, and are accessible to people of all ages and musical abilities.
Drum circle participants sit in a circle and play various percussion instruments, such as drums, shakers, and tambourines. The goal of a drum circle is to create a unified rhythm and energy through the collective playing of these instruments.
In a typical drum circle, there may be a facilitator who leads the group in creating a rhythm, often by starting with a simple pattern that is gradually built upon and elaborated. Participants are encouraged to listen and respond to each other, rather than focusing solely on their individual playing. The result is a dynamic and improvisational musical experience that is both energizing and meditative.
The best way to experience a drum circle is to participate, so let’s talk about different drums one might choose to play.
Best Drums for a Drum Circle
When it comes to choosing drums for a drum circle, there are a few factors to consider, such as the sound quality, durability, and cost. The following list is based on common drum circle choices, but it is not exhaustive.
Djembe
The djembe is a popular drum for drum circles due to its rich and versatile sound. It produces a range of sounds, including bass, tone, slap, and muffled sounds and has a range of dynamics.
It is also relatively lightweight and easy to transport.
Conga
The conga is another popular drum for drum circles, known for its deep and resonant sound. They are usually larger than djembes, so they can be more difficult to transport.
A skilled player can add a lot to a drum circle sound with conga drums, so it’s worth the added hassle of schlepping them to the event.
Bongo
The bongo is a smaller drum with a higher pitch than the djembe or conga. It can add a unique sound to the drum circle with its two different sized drums.
Bongo is played with mostly fingers and can be struck with other implements, like mallets or sticks.
Ashiko
The ashiko is a tall, cylindrical drum with a deep and resonant sound. It is a popular choice for drum circles because of its ability to produce a bass tone that complements the higher-pitched djembe and conga drums.
Frame drum
The frame drum is a versatile drum that can be played with hands or sticks. It is a good option for beginners or those who want a more portable drum.
Steel drum
The steel drum, also known as a pan drum, is a unique option for a drum circle. It produces a bright, melodic sound and can add a melodic Caribbean vibe to the group.
Ultimately, the best drums for a drum circle depend on personal preference and the needs of the group. It’s a good idea to have a variety of drums available to accommodate different playing styles and skill levels. It’s also important to choose high-quality, durable drums that can withstand frequent use and transportation.
Who Can Play in a Drum Circle?
You do not have to be a good musician to play in a drum circle. The beauty of a drum circle is that it is a collaborative and inclusive musical experience that welcomes people of all ages and skill levels. In fact, one of the goals of a drum circle is to create a sense of community and connection through shared musical expression, rather than focusing on individual skill or talent.
While it can be helpful to have some basic knowledge of rhythm and percussion techniques, it is not necessary to be a highly skilled musician to participate in a drum circle. Drum circles often emphasize the process of making music together, rather than the final product. A good drum circle facilitator encourages participants to listen and respond to each other, rather than trying to play perfectly.
Drum circles often incorporate a variety of percussion instruments, such as shakers, tambourines, and bells, in addition to drums, providing a range of options for participants to choose from based on their skill level and comfort level. In this way, drum circles can be a fun and inclusive way for people to explore music and rhythm, regardless of their musical background or experience.
Benefits of a Drum Circle
Drum circles have numerous benefits, both for individuals and for communities as a whole. Here are some of the key benefits of participating in a drum circle.
Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
Drumming has been shown to lower stress levels and promote relaxation. The rhythmic vibrations of the drums can help to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety (source).
When playing music, you have to be focused and present in the moment. This can help you let go of other distractions and worries, allowing you to be more mindful and present in the present moment.
Since drum circles can be joined by people with a wide range of musical abilities, it opens more opportunities for people to participate who don’t have any other music performance outlets.
Boosts the immune system
Studies have shown that drumming can boost the immune system by increasing the production of natural killer cells, which help to fight off infections and diseases.
Improves cognitive function
Drumming requires coordination, concentration, and memory skills, which can help to improve cognitive function and enhance brain connectivity.
Enhances social connections
Drum circles provide a fun and engaging way to connect with others and build social connections. They are inclusive and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Increases creativity
Drumming is a form of creative expression that encourages experimentation and improvisation. It can help to boost creativity and inspire new ideas.
Promotes physical fitness
Drumming is a physical activity that can help to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and endurance.
Fosters a sense of community
Drum circles bring people together in a shared musical experience that can help to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Supports emotional well-being
Drumming has been shown to help reduce depression and improve emotional well-being by increasing the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.
Improves communication skills
Drumming is a form of nonverbal communication that can help to improve communication skills and enhance interpersonal connections.
Encourages mindfulness
Drumming requires focus and attention to the present moment, which can help to promote mindfulness and reduce stress.
Drum circles offer numerous benefits for individuals and communities. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner, participating in a drum circle can be a fun and rewarding way to improve your health, connect with others, and express yourself creatively.
Different Types of Drum Circles
There are several different types of drum circles, each with its own unique focus and structure. Here are three common types of drum circles.
Community Drum Circle
This is the most common type of drum circle, and it is usually open to anyone who wants to participate. The focus is on building community through shared musical expression, and participants are encouraged to listen and respond to each other in an improvisational and collaborative way. A facilitator may lead the group in creating a basic rhythm or pattern, which is then elaborated upon by the group as a whole.
Therapeutic Drum Circle
This type of drum circle is specifically designed to promote healing and well-being through music. Participants may include individuals with physical or mental health challenges, and the facilitator may use specific techniques or exercises to help participants achieve specific therapeutic goals, such as stress reduction, relaxation, or emotional expression. The facilitator may also provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to share their experiences and feelings.
Performance Drum Circle
This type of drum circle is focused on creating a cohesive and polished musical performance. The participants may be musicians with more advanced skill levels, and they may rehearse and prepare in advance to create a specific musical arrangement. The performance may be for a specific audience, such as at a festival or concert, and the focus is on creating a high-quality musical experience for the audience.
These are just a few examples of the different types of drum circles that exist. Depending on the specific goals and interests of the participants, drum circles can take many different forms and structures, but they all share a common goal of creating a sense of community and connection through shared musical expression.
How to Conduct a Drum Circle
If you’re interested in facilitating a drum circle, here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Gather Your Equipment
Before you start planning your drum circle, you’ll need to gather the necessary equipment. At a minimum, you’ll need a variety of percussion instruments, such as drums, shakers, and tambourines, as well as chairs for people to sit on. You may also want to consider investing in some additional equipment, such as microphones, a sound system, and a mixer, if you plan on hosting larger drum circles.
2. Choose Your Venue
The next step is to choose the right venue for your drum circle. Depending on the size of your group, you may need a space with good acoustics and plenty of room for people to move around. If you’re hosting an outdoor drum circle, make sure to choose a location that is easily accessible and has a level surface for people to sit on.
3. Invite Your Participants
Once you’ve chosen your venue and gathered your equipment, it’s time to start inviting participants. Spread the word about your drum circle through social media, email lists, and flyers in your community. Make sure to include information about the date, time, and location of the drum circle, as well as any equipment or experience requirements.
4. Set the Tone
As the facilitator of the drum circle, it’s important to set the right tone for the group. Start by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the drum circle. Encourage everyone to participate and create a welcoming atmosphere that is inclusive of all skill levels and backgrounds.
5. Establish Guidelines
Before you start drumming, it’s important to establish some guidelines for the group. This can include things like respecting each other’s space, being mindful of noise levels, and taking turns when playing instruments. Make sure everyone is aware of the guidelines and understands why they are important.
6. Start with a Warm-Up
To get everyone warmed up and comfortable with the instruments, start your drum circle with a simple rhythm that everyone can follow. Encourage people to experiment with different sounds and rhythms, and gradually build up the complexity of the rhythm as the group becomes more comfortable.
7. Experiment with Different Rhythms
Once everyone is comfortable with the basic rhythm, it’s time to experiment with different rhythms and sounds. Encourage people to try out different instruments and experiment with different rhythms and beats. You can also incorporate call-and-response patterns, where one person plays a rhythm and the group responds with a complementary rhythm.
8. Incorporate Movement and Dance
Drum circles are not just about making music, they are also about connecting with your body and expressing yourself through movement. Encourage participants to incorporate movement and dance into their drumming, and experiment with different rhythms and movements that complement each other.
9. End on a High Note
As the facilitator of the drum circle, it’s important to end the session on a high note. Bring the group together for a final rhythm or song, and encourage everyone to play with energy and enthusiasm. Take a moment to thank everyone for their participation and remind them of the benefits of drumming and music-making.
10. Follow Up
After the drum circle is over, it’s important to follow up with participants and continue to build the community that you’ve created. Consider hosting regular drum circles or other music-making events, and encourage people to share their experiences and connect with each other outside of the drum circle.
In conclusion, facilitating a drum circle can be a fun and rewarding experience that brings people together through
Rhythms for Drum Circles
The following rhythms are from Judy Atkinson’s videos on Youtube. Try playing them with different hands to find what’s most comfortable for you.
[notation key]
Rhythm 1 – Apple Pie
I love apple pie. That’s the word rhythm for this example. The first half of the rhythm is long notes with low tones, and the second half is high tones with two short notes and a long.
As you play this rhythm, think about the call-and-response format mentioned earlier in this article. It’s a good way to make things interesting during a drum circle.
Rhythm 2 – Play My Drum
This rhythm is similar to the first. The main difference is the extra high tone on the word “to” that connects to the two parts of the phrase.
Rhythm 3 – Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes is a two-beat rhythm notated twice here to match the one-bar phrases we are with in all of the examples. It’s basically the middle two beats from Rhythm 2, played twice in the phrase.
Rhythm 4 – Hot Chocolate
This rhythm is like Rhythm 3 in that it is a two-beat rhythm played twice in the phrase. It’s a nice balance of high and low sounds which can sound really good in contrast to rhythms 2 and 3 if your drum circle were to play several of these rhythms at once.
Rhythm 5 – Heartbeat
The heartbeat is the only rhythm on this list that only uses low tones. It’s also the only one that has accents. The accented notes are played a little louder than the unaccented notes.
How Long is a Drum Circle
The length of a drum circle can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the size of the group, the skill level of the participants, and the purpose of the circle. Generally, a drum circle can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.
For beginners or those new to drumming, it’s a good idea to start with shorter sessions, around 30-45 minutes. This allows participants to build up stamina and avoid fatigue or discomfort from playing for too long.
For more experienced drummers, longer sessions of 1-2 hours or more can be appropriate. However, it’s important to take breaks and allow participants to rest and stretch to avoid injury or fatigue.
In addition to the length of the drum circle itself, it’s important to consider the timing and structure of the session. For example, it can be helpful to start with some warm-up exercises or stretches to prepare the body for playing. It’s also important to include breaks or periods of rest throughout the session to avoid overexertion.
Ultimately, the length of a drum circle should be tailored to the needs and preferences of the group. It’s a good idea to check in with participants and assess their energy levels throughout the session to ensure that everyone is comfortable and engaged.
Spiritual Experience of Drum Circle Participants
Drum circles are often associated with spiritual experiences by their participants. The rhythmic beat of the drums creates a collective pulse that can unify the group and induce a trance-like state.
The spiritual experience of drum circle participants is often described as a feeling of connection with something greater than themselves, whether that be a sense of community, nature, the universe, or a higher power. The repetitive rhythm of the drums can help participants enter into a meditative state, allowing them to quiet their minds and focus on the present moment. This can create a sense of oneness with the group and the music, leading to a feeling beyond the physical level.
In some cultures, drum circles are used as a form of prayer or ritual to connect with the divine. The act of playing the drums is seen as a way of communicating with the spiritual realm and invoking the power of the ancestors. In this context, the spiritual experience of drum circle participants is deeply rooted in their cultural and religious traditions.
Overall, the spiritual experience of drum circle participants can be a powerful and transformative experience, fostering a sense of connection, unity, and transcendence.