The Benefits of Drumming

by Drummergirl Director & Founder, Simone Lang

The benefits of drumming are numerous. Apart from being extremely fun there are a bunch of effects which I can personally attest to either witnessing in others or experiencing myself. As a facilitator and teacher I tend not to tell participants about what they may experience through drumming, especially first timers. I tend to choose to allow participants to experience drumming for themselves.

Once any fear and anxiety dissolves, those engaged in group hand drumming may immediately experience:

• A heightened sense of awareness.
• An increase in energy levels or a sense of relaxation.
• An increased ability to concentrate and focus as the session progresses.
• A sense of inner stillness or calm similar to that experienced through intentional meditation.

Drumming has a unique ability to inspire and energise through physical exertion whilst at the same time calming and quietening the busy mind. For the beginner drummer, it may be viewed as enforced mediation- little else can be considered as the mind and body are focused on one repetitive task. This is easily disturbed if the drummer allows their thoughts to drift elsewhere! A fabulous thing to notice as a student progresses is the duration for which they can hold a rhythm.

In a small or large corporate community, drumming can offer the following benefits to individuals and the corporate community at large:

• Uniting participants: a group of participants have to work together to create a rhythm that they then share as a group
• Stress management: there is an obvious sense of release experienced through drumming as participants find themselves letting go.
• Hierarchical neutraliser: drumming as a group is a wonderful means for bringing everyone down to the same level.

Over a longer term, participants may benefit from all of the above along with:

• Increased self-esteem and confidence levels
• Enhanced concentration and the ability to focus on a particular task for longer periods
• Enhanced co-ordination
• An increase in creative abilities
• A decrease in anxiety and stress levels

Drumming has also been used in the treatment of problems ranging from addiction to autism, and learning difficulties to mental health issues. Some studies have found that rhythmic drumming aids health by inducing a deep sense of relaxation, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure.

Most of all however, drumming is highly accessible for all ages and abilities and is loads of fun. Should it really engage you and draw you in, it will be a friend for life!