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Helene Fleming

Looking for a new way to express yourself, beat the stress of day to day life and learn new skills in the process, then this course is definitely for you.

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Looking for a new way to express yourself, beat the stress of day to day life and learn new skills in the process, then this course is definitely for you.

This course forms the basis of understanding how to use drums in a therapeutic setting, at this stage we focus on personal growth, nurturing intuition and how to approach the playing of the drums for yourself and family and friends. We look at the different types of drums and how they differ from each other. The course has a strong experience component, during which you will be given the chance to explore the impact of drums on yourself through high quality drum meditations.

Our exploration will take us from Shamanic drumming (ancestral drumming) to the newer types of drums such as tongue drums and Rav Vasts.

You do not need to own a drum to begin with and may even want to wait until you have gone through the course once to see what you would like to work with, what type of drum resonates with you best at this time.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • In this course you will learn the value and different uses for the ancestral instrument that is the drum. we will go on a journey through drumming with sacred drums as well as modern drums, for personal growth and wellbeing.
  • Shamanic drumming, connecting to the drum
  • Aspects of ancestral/shamanic drumming
  • Using ocean drum/wave drums
  • The benefits of tongue drums (simple and more complex) and how to approach your play
  • Playing with scales
  • Sound healing qualities of the drums
  • Meditations to give you direct experiences of the different drums
  • Playing the tongue drums
  • Playing the rav vast
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction
Facebook support group
Meeting the drums in this course
Meditation preparation
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You have rhythms and cycles inside yourself!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores shamanic drumming, which may appeal to learners interested in ancestral practices and their potential for personal exploration and connection
Includes drum meditations, which offer learners direct, hands-on experiences with the instruments and their potential effects on well-being
Examines various types of drums, from shamanic drums to tongue drums and Rav Vasts, broadening learners' understanding of sound healing instruments
Teaches how to approach playing drums for personal use, family, and friends, fostering a sense of community and shared experience
Does not require learners to own a drum initially, making the course accessible to those who are curious but not yet ready to invest in equipment
Focuses on nurturing intuition, which may be valuable for learners seeking to develop their self-awareness and creative abilities

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Reviews summary

Gentle introduction to therapeutic drumming

According to students, this course offers a gentle and inspiring introduction to using drums for personal growth and sound healing. Many found the meditations to be powerful and a highlight, facilitating a deep connection with their inner rhythm. The instructor's gentle guidance and the variety of drums explored were frequently praised, making it easy to follow even with no prior experience. While largely seen as a very helpful and enjoyable journey, a few reviews noted it is quite basic and may not provide enough depth or specific techniques for those seeking advanced musical understanding or who already have some drumming background.
Covers Shamanic, Ocean, Tongue, and Rav Vast.
"I loved exploring the different drums and their unique sounds."
"The course covers a variety of different drum types, which was very interesting."
"It was a good introduction to different drums and how they can be used."
Praised for its kind, easy-to-follow method.
"loved the gentle guidance offered throughout the course"
"inspiring and gentle guidance..."
"The instructor's approach is calming and encouraging, making the learning process very enjoyable."
"This course is easy to follow even for a complete beginner with no prior drumming experience."
The guided meditations were deeply impactful.
"loved the meditations included in the course - they were truly inspiring"
"The meditations are a highlight; they help you connect with the drums and yourself on a deeper level."
"The meditations were powerful and allowed me to feel a deep connection."
"The drum meditations were very helpful for personal exploration."
Suitable for beginners but lacks advanced depth.
"a good basic intro to using drums for sound healing and personal growth"
"felt a bit repetitive at times, didn't feel it went very deep"
"This course is very basic, didn't learn anything new... not for anyone with even basic knowledge."
"wish there was more information on specific techniques for each drum type."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Find Your Rhythm, drumming, sound healing, personal growth with these activities:
Review Basic Music Theory
Reviewing basic music theory will help you understand the scales and rhythms used in drumming and sound healing.
Browse courses on Music Theory
Show steps
  • Find online resources or textbooks on basic music theory.
  • Study scales, rhythms, and basic chord structures.
  • Practice identifying intervals and rhythms by ear.
Create a Personal Drumming Journal
Starting a drumming journal will help you track your progress, reflect on your experiences, and personalize your drumming practice.
Show steps
  • Obtain a notebook or create a digital document for your journal.
  • Record your drumming sessions, including techniques used and your emotional state.
  • Reflect on your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Read 'The Healing Power of Sound' by Mitchell Gaynor
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the scientific basis for sound healing and its potential benefits.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Healing Power of Sound'.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to sound frequencies and healing.
  • Take notes on key concepts and potential applications to drumming.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Attend a Local Drum Circle
Attending a drum circle will provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to connect with other drummers.
Show steps
  • Search for local drum circles in your area.
  • Attend a drum circle and participate in the drumming session.
  • Reflect on your experience and connect with other participants.
Explore Advanced Tongue Drum Techniques
Following tutorials on advanced tongue drum techniques will expand your playing skills and creative possibilities.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on advanced tongue drum techniques.
  • Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
  • Incorporate these techniques into your drumming practice.
Record a Drum Meditation Session
Recording a drum meditation session will allow you to share your practice with others and receive feedback.
Show steps
  • Plan a drum meditation session with a specific theme or intention.
  • Record the session using a microphone or recording device.
  • Share the recording with friends or online communities for feedback.
Explore 'Rhythms of the Brain' by György Buzsáki
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the neurological effects of rhythm and sound.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Rhythms of the Brain'.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to neural oscillations and cognitive functions.
  • Consider how these concepts relate to the effects of drumming on the brain.

Career center

Learners who complete Find Your Rhythm, drumming, sound healing, personal growth will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Drum Circle Facilitator
A drum circle facilitator leads group drumming sessions for recreational, therapeutic, or community-building purposes. This course offers direct experience with a variety of drums and how they impact individuals, which makes it a good fit for this role. The course emphasis on different types of drumming, from shamanic styles to modern instruments, helps the facilitator develop a deeper understanding of rhythm and sound. An individual who wishes to become a drum circle facilitator may benefit from this course's exploration of self-expression, personal growth, and the therapeutic use of drums, giving them experience they can translate to group leadership.
Sound Healer
A sound healer uses sound and vibration to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and healing. An individual who wishes to practice as a sound healer may find value in this course, given its focus on the sound healing qualities of drums and the experience of drum meditations. The course includes specific instruction in using a range of drums, from shamanic drums to tongue drums and Rav Vasts, which will allow the sound healer to explore diverse sonic textures. The exploration of how these different drums can impact individuals would be beneficial, and the course may help one develop a personal approach to healing for self and others.
Expressive Arts Facilitator
An expressive arts facilitator uses a variety of art forms to help individuals explore their emotions and promote personal growth. Given the course's focus on drumming as a means of self-expression, stress reduction, and personal growth, someone working as an expressive arts facilitator may find this course valuable. The course's deep dive into various drumming styles, from shamanic to modern, will expand their understanding of how sound can be used therapeutically. The course's focus on individual and group exploration with drums can help inform the facilitator's practice.
Holistic Health Practitioner
A holistic health practitioner takes a whole-person approach to health and wellness, often incorporating mind-body practices. With the course’s emphasis on the therapeutic applications of drumming and meditative practices, a holistic health practitioner may find the course useful. Learning about the nuances of different drums, such as shamanic drums, tongue drums, and Rav Vasts, allows one to understand sound's role in wellness. This course may also help deepen knowledge of healing modalities that can be added to a holistic practice.
Meditation Instructor
A meditation instructor guides individuals in meditation practices for stress reduction, mindfulness, and personal growth. This course explores meditation using drums, and will be useful for a meditation instructor who wants to incorporate sound into their meditation sessions. This course's focus on drum meditations as a way to enhance personal growth is directly relevant to this role. Learning how to guide individuals through meditative drumming experiences is a skill that the instructor may use to help clients in their personal growth journey. The exploration of various drums provides an additional dimension for the meditation instructor.
Creative Arts Therapist
A creative arts therapist uses creative modalities such as music, art, and movement to address the emotional, mental, and physical needs of individuals. Given that this course explores the use of drumming as a means of self-expression and therapy, a creative arts therapist may find this course particularly helpful. The course's exploration of various drums, from ancestral to modern, will expand the therapist's understanding of how rhythm can be used therapeutically. The insights gained during the course can be used in developing various therapeutic programs.
Spiritual Counselor
A spiritual counselor provides guidance and support to individuals seeking meaning and purpose in their lives from a spiritual perspective. This course may be helpful for a spiritual counselor who seeks to use sound and rhythm as a means of helping clients connect to themselves, given its focus on personal growth, intuition, and the therapeutic use of drumming. The course's exploration of shamanic drumming and its connections to ancestral practices may deepen the counselor's understanding and guide their approach. The course may provide a pathway for the counselor to use drumming as a modality for spiritual exploration.
Music Therapist
A music therapist uses musical interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. This course may be useful for those interested in this field, as it explores the therapeutic benefits of drumming, including sound healing qualities and meditative practices. The course emphasis on personal growth, nurturing intuition, and understanding the impact of drums could be valuable for a music therapist seeking to integrate rhythm and sound into their therapeutic approach. The experience with diverse drums, such as shamanic, tongue, and Rav Vast, allows for an exploration of various sound palettes and how they affect individuals. This course may also help one understand how to work with clients in both individual and group settings.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist uses recreational activities, including music and movement, to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. Given this course's focus on using drums for self-expression, stress reduction, and personal growth, a recreational therapist may find this course useful. The course provides experience with various types of drumming, from shamanic to modern, that may be translated to group settings or individualized treatment strategies for different needs. The course's deep dive into the therapeutic use of drums may help the therapist understand their impact on clients.
Community Arts Organizer
A community arts organizer creates and manages arts-based events and programs for community enrichment and engagement. This course’s exploration of the therapeutic benefits of drumming and its capacity for community building may be relevant to this role. This course explores many different types of drums from a variety of cultures, and that is relevant to this role. The course's focus on teaching how to share the joy of drumming with others, will be valuable for someone looking to organize and facilitate group drumming events in their community.
Personal Development Coach
A personal development coach guides individuals to achieve their personal goals through self-reflection and practical exercises. Given the course’s design to enhance personal growth by way of drumming and meditation, a personal development coach may find value in the course. The exploration of rhythm, intuition, and self-expression through different drums might be integrated into personal development sessions. The course also aims to develop an in-depth understanding of how drumming can promote inner reflection and self discovery which the coach can then use to work with clients.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach helps clients achieve their health and wellness goals through guidance and support. This course may be helpful for a wellness coach seeking to incorporate rhythm and sound into their practice, given the course's design to promote personal growth and well-being through drumming and meditation. The exploration of diverse drums and understanding their therapeutic benefits, including stress reduction and emotional expression, will give the wellness coach additional tools. The course's experiential component may also allow the wellness coach to personally understand how to improve wellness for their clients.
Music Educator
A music educator teaches students about music theory, history, and performance. Although this course does not focus on these areas, it may be helpful for a music educator to expand their understanding of how drums can be used for therapeutic and personal growth purposes. Learning about drumming practices might also inform their general teaching approach. The course's exploration of Shamanic drumming as well as modern drums will offer a broader understanding of different cultural, historical, and personal applications of drumming. The course may offer a new lens through which to understand the educational value of drumming.
Yoga Instructor
A yoga instructor guides students through yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation to enhance physical and mental well-being. Although this course's main focus is drumming, it may be useful for a yoga instructor, given the overlapping focus on personal growth, stress reduction, and therapeutic practices. The course's exploration of meditative drumming and sound healing might enhance the instructor's understanding of how sound can be integrated into yoga and meditation practices. The experience gained in this class may add another dimension to their practice.
Group Fitness Instructor
A group fitness instructor leads group exercise classes to improve physical fitness and well-being. While this course primarily focuses on drumming as a therapeutic activity rather than physical fitness, it may be helpful for an instructor to understand the link between rhythm, movement, and mood. The course may help inform an approach to integrating rhythm into fitness routines, or even adding drumming to the fitness curriculum. This course may also provide further insight into the benefits of using rhythm and sound to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Find Your Rhythm, drumming, sound healing, personal growth.
Explores the therapeutic applications of sound and music, providing a scientific basis for the sound healing aspects covered in the course. It delves into how sound frequencies can affect the body and mind, offering insights into the healing potential of drumming and other sound-based practices. This book provides a deeper understanding of the science behind sound healing. It valuable resource for those interested in the therapeutic applications of drumming.
Delves into the neural mechanisms underlying brain rhythms, offering a scientific perspective on how rhythms influence cognitive functions and states of consciousness. While not directly focused on drumming, it provides a deeper understanding of the neurological effects of rhythm and sound. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

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