Drum Circles for Specific Population Groups: An Introduction to Drum Circles for Therapeutic and Educational Outcomes

With easy-to-follow instructions for group activities and rhythms, this book provides tools to lead drum circles effectively with people facing a wide variety of life challenges. Sections on outcomes, setting up for success, common challenges and practical adaptations of the drum circle guide you in leading sessions with your own groups. The compendium also offers guidance on pricing, evaluating your sessions, managing challenging behaviours and duty of care.

Demonstrating the potential of this empowering creative activity in supporting therapeutic and developmental outcomes, this book equips you to meet the needs of different groups through the healing power of music:

• Activities suitable for different levels of experience in leading drum circles
• The one-stop book for anyone thinking about using a drum circle in their practice
• 2019 research showed a strong evidence base demonstrated the health benefits of group drumming
• Drum circles are used in both music-led and broader community settings

"Simon Faulkner has gathered together the world's most recognized proponents of specialized rhythm care, including himself, into this powerful book. With practical applications and exercises, coupled with inspirational philosophy, they speak with one voice to the power of the drum and its positive effect on humanity's heart, mind, and body."
- Arthur Hull, Founder of the Village Music Circle Global Drum Circle Facilitator Training Group

"If you use music in your work with groups, any group of any age to assist members with life improving experiences you should read this compendium of knowledge and strategies for leading therapeutic community drum circles. A solid but concise foundation of research supporting benefits of expressive therapies is described and in conjunction with cognitive approaches. The specific group-work skills for each population discussed by experienced professionals are in a format including important attributes, positive outcomes, setting up for success, common challenges practical applications and exercises. This will be a treasured and practical addition to your resources."
- Sheldon Braaten, Ph.D. Executive Director Behavioral Institute for Children and Adolescents

"A great resource with key insights and suggestions for taking group drumming to the next level. Highly recommended!"
- Barry Bittman, MD, Chairman and CEO - Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute

"Faulkner pulls together a wealth of international skill, knowledge and research in this comprehensive guide, shining a light on the many applications and benefits of drum-circle work, in the context of evidence-based, ethical and safe practice. A must read for anyone working in this field."
- Heather Fletcher, Registered Music Therapist, President Emerita Music Therapy NZ