New Research Shows Babies Are Born To Dance...

The findings, based on the study of infants aged between five months and two years old, suggest that babies may be born with a predisposition to move rhythmically in response to music. Read More ...

Drum Circle Articles

 by Jim Donovan

Jim Donovan in Flight : Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

Here is a collection of my latest drum circle articles. Enjoy.

10 Reasons Why Drumming Together Builds Great Teams...

56 Reasons You Should Be Drumming...

Twelve Things I Always Do When Recording Drum Set...

34 Easy Ways To Improve Your Drum Circle...

Drumming and Spirituality Articles

Central African group Wa Congo in concert :: Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

To me, drumming and spirituality go hand in hand. The more I drum, the more I learn about myself. Here are several articles that explore this idea more in depth.

The Law of Rhythm by Hazrat Inayat Khan

Altering Your Consciousness Through Rhythmic Breathing

How To Use Sound To Feel Good

How To Make Your Drumming More Meaningful

Why do I drum?

Afro-Caribbean Drumming Resources

Haitian Master Drummer Frisner Augustin :: Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

Here are several excellrnt resources for those of you interested in the rich drumming cultures of the Caribbean. Enjoy!


DR CLAVE 
: A resource for questions and answers on the workings of the clave.

Heartbeats of Vodou : Haitian drums call from Port-au-Prince to Brooklyn.

Cuban Music 101 : 
This web site has a brief glossary and historical information.

Conga Place : All about congas.

Haitian dance: Movement rooted in ritual & tradition

Nyabinghi Chants: Extensive collection of chants here.

Percussion Helping Communication In Autistic Children

LORETTO, Pa. -- Autism is a communication disorder that often leaves people unable to speak.

Center of Excellence for Remote and Medically Under-Served Areas at Saint Francis University teamed up with occupational therapist and professional musicians to start a pilot program using percussion.CamCo, an occupational therapy group was taught how to use drumming as a way to talk to their autistic and hyperactive patients. On a normal day its hard to get these patients to respond well, said CERMUSA's Brenda Guzic. The group involved is hoping to change that. CERMUSA's Kent Tonkin used classes and Skype, a free internet communication program, to teach these therapists how to drum and use it as a response technique. CERMUSA's officials said noise and rhythms will help them break the barrior between autistic children and their parents. The program is in its infant stages, but CERMUSA officials, Camco therapists and Saint Francis University instructors have implemented it into the Cambria County School system.

View the video here...

Winner Announcement.... March 2010 Contest....

 

Congratulations to the winners of the Jim Donovan instructional drumming DVD/CD packages. You're prizes are being mailed this week! 

Happy Drumming...

1. Emma Peabody

2. Mike Yurkewicz

3. Connie Popp

4. David McCartney

5. James L. Baker

If you didn't win this time, stay tuned for more giveaway announcements coming soon.

You can still get the instructional Drummers Bundle on sale here...

 

Rhythmic Ear Training Video Lesson by Jim Donovan

by Jim Donovan
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The ability to hear a rhythmic pattern and then repeat it is among the most helpful skills you can develop. Refining this skill allows you to not only develop a keener sense of listening, but it also can assist you in learning how to hear something that someone else is playing and be able to immediately react to it in a musical way. This video contains several fun exercises you can use to improve your rhythmic listening and reaction skills...
Have fun!




Get the full DVD here..