The Experience - Education
Drum Therapy is an inspirational, creative and a vital musical learning experience for pupils and staff alike!
Drum Therapy caters for large groups of children within its workshop programme. Single facilitator workshops are suitable for up to 35; this increases to 70 with double. During a school day it is possible to teach up to 8 sessions; that would be 280 pupils with a single facilitator. Drum Therapy work flexibly with what is offered by you, the school, to get the most from the pupils.
Each participant has an instrument- a hand drum or percussion- and we will swap around during the session so that everyone can try their favourite! Drum Therapy workshops hold relationship as a central pillar of effective teaching. Quickly establishing your pupils' trust and confidence enables their potential to be more fully realised. Seeds of inspiration are received and given in a two way process; non- judgemental praise and critique is given. There is a balance between structure and spontaneity that promotes both musicianship and self- expression.
Drum Therapy are mindful of the requirements of the National Curriculum in Music. The start of a session will outline relevant health and safety issues, followed by basic technique. Younger children explore the pitch, tempo, timbre and texture of the instruments. Stories and songs capture their interest, as do rhythm games. Building on this platform, older pupils can study specific rhythmic patterns, how to layer sounds, and relating to the other parts to build up an orchestral piece. The repetition of cyclic patterns and improvisation around them is a central theme for sessions. A context is given to the music that is explained through African and other tribal cultures. This includes some explanation of the making of instruments, their traditional use and advice on where to purchase them. See links page.
Drum Therapy also reflects the National Curriculum in PSHE: learning is totally participatory. Drumming is the tool used in the development of self-confidence; pupils have to work as a team towards a common goal, and are encouraged to hear and depend upon the musical contributions of others. Inter-relationship is strengthened through drum circle and small group work.
Performances and assemblies can be arranged to showcase your pupils' talents and enthusiasm. Parents and governors are welcome to attend and witness the experiential learning. Festivals, fetes, galas, carnivals all lend themselves to an exciting performance. Our drumming workshops can prepare your pupils for such important events. We welcome collaborative work with the teachers of complimentary arts; ie. dance, drama, poetry and song.
The fully interactive Teacher Training package fits neatly into INSET days. The Therapeutic Drumming session offers staff practical suggestions to de-stress and relax using percussion instruments. Another strand is the Teambuilding session, guaranteed to provide some hilarity, excitement and thought provoking ideas on working effectively as a staff team. Finally, the Drum Circle session introduces facilitation techniques that can be used by teachers who are interested in running their own drumming group for pupils.
Shorter sessions are accessible to After School Clubs that are fitted to the needs of the group. They are high impact and fun!
Prices
- Full day: single facilitator: inc. instrument hire and performance: £250
- Half day: single facilitator: inc. instrument hire: £150
- INSET Training: £70 per hour session
- After School Clubs: £50 per hour session
