The body of research and quantifiable data has boomed in the last 15 years, spurred on by the djembe’s growing popularity across the world. Drumming has a distinctly therapeutic aspect – it’s good for our state of mind. It exercises the brain through stimulating cognitive functions like perception, attention and memory, and group drumming especially reduces the experience of anxiety, depression and loneliness. Drumming is good for the body too, and not just for psycho-motor coordination.

Emotional relief

Drumming has shown stress-relieving and burnout preventing effects, and group drumming especially reduces the experience of anxiety, depression and loneliness

Mindfulness

Drumming can be an incredible meditative tool, allowing participants to focus on the beats, the drum, or their hands, and truly experience themselves in the “here & now”, while promoting awareness of their feelings, thoughts and behaviour.

Accessibility & inclusion

Drumming is accessible regardless of age, gender, ethnicity and ability. Not only is drumming a great way to burn off energy and stress in a creative way, it provides a sense of participation and inclusion.

Invigorating

Drumming is a stimulating activity which leaves the students energised and relaxed at the same time, an uplifting feeling brought about by the physical, emotional and social benefits of group drumming.

Cognitive function

Drumming has a distinctly therapeutic aspect – it’s good for our state of mind. It exercises the brain through stimulating cognitive functions like perception, attention and memory. Drumming is good for the body too, and not just for psycho-motor coordination.

Communication

As an opportunity for people to express themselves beyond words, non verbal communication offers a new voice.

Creativity and confidence

The value of group drumming as a transformative and healing activity has been widely researched and endorsed by the health professionals. Part of the magic of this music, especially in the contexts of community engagement and the classroom, where a sense of belonging and contribution is essential. Drumming is a positive outlet for creative expression which transcends barriers to participation such as language and gender and truly empowers and motivates.

Cultural Focus

It surprises us that drumming and culture are often separated out when they’re taught, especially for djembe classes. An important dimension to our Course is culture. We have a deep respect for the context of West African music; if you separate the music from the culture you lose something intrinsic – not just a chance for cultural enrichment and preservation but the real heart of this music.
We aim to pass on the cultural ethos underpinning the music and unpack the ways in which drumming becomes a pathway to cultural awareness.

Supporting research

Effects of Community African Drumming on Generalised Anxiety in Adolescents 
By David Akombo
African drumming as a medium to promote emotional and social well-being of children aged 7 to 12 in residential care
By Kim Flores
The Impact of Group Drumming on Social-Emotional Behavior in Low-Income Children
By Ho et al

In an article written about African Drumming, Dr Dawn Joseph reached fascinating findings when she visited our spring drum retreat in 2019, while investigating the power of West African drumming.
Read the aricle here.