What do you think are the major trends in drumming/percussion in the last decade or so?

Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

I was asked this question recently:
Q: What do you think are the major trends in drumming/percussion in the last decade or so? And how are they important?

A: Having had the opportunity to see the industry from both the performing side and the teaching & therapeutic side I'd have to say that one of the most exciting developments in the "drumming" industry is the progress and acceptance we've had using drumming and percussion as a mainstream tool to bring people together to make music with each other. For me, witnessing the expression on a person's face as they realize they have a place at the table in a musical experience, regardless of their ability, is more deeply satisfying than it was playing in front of 500,000 people at Woodstock 99.

As drummers we have the unique ability to bring lots of energy to any musical situation we find ourselves in. When we combine that excitement with a format that empowers individuals to be co-creators of music, we've re-discovered what our great grandparents knew about music. Stop worrying about being "the best" musician and just get together with each other and play.

-Jim Donovan


What are your thoughts on this question?

Opportunities for Drumming, Transformation and Rejuvenation

Imagine yourself enjoying 2 days of drumming, transformation and rejuvenation. You are invited to join us for the Summer Rhythm Retreat 2010 on July 16/17, 2010 in Oberlin, OH.


On Friday night July 16, experience Jim's newest workshop "The Ecstatic Drum and Chant :Transformation Workshop" then on Saturday July 17 you will enjoy a full day of drumming workshops with Rex Bacon, PJ Roduta, Jim Donovan, and Elie Kihonia featuring topics such as basic hand drumming, Congolese Drumand Dance, transformational chants, music creation, bell rhythm instruction, as well as various African and Caribbean conga rhythms and songs.

Cap the whole weekend of with an incredible concert under the stars with Drum the Ecstatic International.
Advance registration strongly suggested.
Spaceis already filling quickly..

. Saving your spot is EASY, just click on the link below to register online or just register by phone.


Phone: Call Common Ground at 440-965-5551
Web: Register Here Now...
Advance Registration Discount: $100 in advance for the whole weekend, or $35 for Friday Only // $75 for Saturday Only.
Beginners are warmly welcomed. Drums are provided. Space is limited. Ages 16 and over.

I can't wait to share this new batch of material with you, and I look forward to seeing your smiling face soon.
Peace, Jim
Get More Info and Jim's Full US Workshop Schedule...


Jim

The Summer of DRUM Is Happening...


Fri., July 9, 2010 :: Medina, OH :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop

Sat. July 10, 2010 :: Masontown, WV :: All Good Fest. Workshop

Friday, July 16, 2010 :: Oberlin, OH :: Ecstatic Drum and Chant :: Transformation Workshop


Sat. July 17, 2010 :: Oberlin, OH :: The Summer Rhythm Retreat

Tue. July 20, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: Yoga of Drum and Chant Workshop (morning workshop)


Th/Fri July 22/23, 2010  Sherman, NY :: Brushwood Summer Fest :: Workshops and Concert

Tue/Wed July 27/28, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The Rhythm of Life Design Intensive (Nearly full)

July 29-Aug 1, 2010 :: Loretto, PA :: The 2010 Summer Rhythm Renewal :: SOLD OUT

Fri/Sat/Sun Sept 3-5, 2010 :: Sherman, NY :: The 2010 Great Rhythm Revival :: Drum/Dance/Personal Growth

Other Stuff:
Get your Discount Drummer Bundle :: DVD and Learn-by-Ear Audio Tools here...

Drummers and lovers of rhythm! I'd like to interview you.

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Drummers and lovers of rhythm...
You are invited to be a part of a new article based upon experiences and stories of drummers and non-drummers who have had transformational experiences with rhythm.

I am interested to hear about your most memorable/profound/exciting/powerful experience that involve drumming or rhythm in some way. This could be via playing, watching, dancing...


You can use these questions to guide you. Answer them in whatever way makes sense to you. 

1. What was the circumstance?
2. What made it memorable/profound/exciting/cherished/powerful?
3. What, if anything, did you retain from the experience?
4. Did the experience change you in any way?

Leave your answers in the comment section below.
I look forward hearing about it!
Jim Donovan

34 Easy Ways To Improve Your Drum Circle

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by Jim Donovan
(Special thanks and hi-fives to all of my friends on my Blog, Twitter and Facebook for your contributions to this article!!)

If you're anything like me, you like FUN...and FUN is probably why you decided to give this drumming thing a whirl.
So let's pretend for a moment that you have your drum and you made it to the drum circle...
Now what?

Beyond the stress relief, sense of togetherness, and joy you can get from drumming with others is your ability enhance the overall quality of the drum circle experience by the way you interact with the people around you.

Here are 34 easy ideas that you can use to maximize your fun and improve your drum circles right away. Think of these tips as "drum circle etiquette".

And if you have ideas that aren't on the list, leave them below...
Happy drumming!

34 Easy Ways To Improve Your Drum Circle

1. Remove your rings if you are borrowing someones drum.

2. Turn off your cell phone...and resist the urge to text. (Your Twitter followers can wait...)

3. Listen first, play second.

4. Ask permission to use someone's drum before just picking it up.

5. Resist the urge to play louder than everyone else.

6. Get to know each other after the circle, hang out and chat after drumming.

7. Respect the drums you're borrowing.

8. Space! Leave space for others to play.

9. Make the betterment of the "group sound" be your number one priority.

10. If you are a newbie, pay attention to the more experienced drummers around you and learn from them.

11. If you are an expert, remember the newbies in the group and give them encouragement and guidance from time to time. Remember what it was like when you first started drumming!

12. Worrying about mistakes? Fuughet abahht it!
If you are a beginner, you may feel as though everyone is listening to you and your "mistakes" (even though they aren't!) Be brave and just play.

13. Unless you are facilitating, resist playing faster and louder in an attempt to speed up the group.

14. If you get lost, listen for the downbeat - the main "pulse" of the rhythm to find your way back.

15. Tired of drumming? Just dance!

16. Made a mistake during a session? Just SMILE and keep going and get back INTO the group's vibe!

17. It's okay to not drum sometimes, so that you can really listen.

18. How about some hand percussion? Try a shaker, woodblock, or bell.

19. If playing a bell, make sure there is lots of space in your rhythm. Keep the bell rhythm simple and steady.

20. Keep solos short and sweet and then come back and support the group so others can take a "solo".

21. Drum with joy. Remember how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to make music together. Have fun, you deserve it.

22. Breathe...relax...and open your heart to collective possibility..

23. Most importantly (in drumming or dance or life) drop into your heart. Move beyond the thoughts of *how* to do it, or impressing someone, etc....and into "what deep essence wishes to express through me/the drum in this now moment?"

24. Open up to the healing energy that we create when we drum.

25. Feel the group pulse, as if it were your own.

26. In the words of the late great percussionist Bill Roth:
"It's not just what you play, it's also what you don't play."
"It's not just when you play, it's also when you don't play."

27. Realize that there are many different kinds of drum circles that will lead to different kinds of experiences.  Appreciate the value of diversity and try to be conscious of the group dynamic or you may feel disappointed that "they" didn't play the way you like!

28. Bring your best self! Your energy can positively or negatively impact the circle - let go of negativity, feel the rhythm - listen - drum - dance - be

29. Leave your ego at the door! (Or even in the car...)

30. Listen, feel, listen, breathe, listen..

31. Bringing children to a circle can be a great thing, and it can also be incredibly disruptive depending on how it's approached. Etiquette would mandate that if you bring young children, spend a bit of time with them prior, so they understand what's going on.

32. Understand that some people come to the circle with a different method of "feeling" the music due to disabilities they are triumphing over.

33. Why not turn the circle into an excuse to eat as well? Have a potluck afterwards and get to know each other.

34. Relax.

If you'd like to get my free Rhythm Newsletter with useful articles, updates on workshops, retreats and concerts near you, plus special members only giveaways sign-up here... 

Are you looking for some new grooves?
Check out my play-along learning tool "World Rhythm Seeds CD".

What is the Summer Rhythm Renewal?

What is the Summer Rhythm Renewal?
Testimonials from last year's participants


It is a gathering of diverse people that love music in all its forms, but who have found the joy that comes from hand drumming and the benefits it brings to the body and the soul.
-Janet Keefer

a well-planned, centering, really fun event where it is easy to relax, and make new friends -- all while drumming!
-Cindy Carroll

Rejuvenation of the mind and spirit! Rhythm Renewal allows us an opportunity to participate in intriguing workshops facilitated by experienced and fabulous teachers and/or mentors; the experience encourages us to take time to explore our inner child and today's self; it is an opportunity to meet and laugh with beautiful people; but most importantly the whole experience leaves us with an enlightened and awakening sense of soul; and reflection of what and who is truly important in our lives!
-Corinna Bealer

Rhythm Renewal is a wonderful rejuvenating 4 day workshop where you are immersed in rhythms, song and dance. It gives voice to the soul of everyone in the group and the group as a whole. It teaches us all the concepts of focus, cooperation, and harmony. It is filled with fun, joy and love... It is just an indescribably amazing and awe inspiring experience ......surreal and other worldly and one that we carry back into our regular lives. The spirit there is totally uplifting and it's an oasis in time to look forward to throughout the year.
-Mary Cogley

Rhythm Renewal is all about renewing the rhythm of self. I had no idea this would be so introspective; it was great.
-Gloria Chlopik

The Rhythm Renewal is an explosion of energy, a spiritual supernova. The first year I went, I thought it was about drumming, but it's really not. Drumming is just Jim's key to the door which opens up the self.
- Andy Patton

a contained place of intention
- PJ Roduta

Rhythm Renewal is putting everything and everyone on hold from where you were and becoming alive and free to be who you are. Experiencing the rhythm of sound, rhythm of oneness, and the renewal of a spiritual connection.
- Victoria Durst

A Rhythmic Experience for your heart, mind, body and soul...
- Nino Vella

An enlightening, vibrating, opening on a mountain that allows all to come together in the love of music, in respect of all musicians and in the desire to connect with yourself and that drum!
- Patrice

A chance to leave everything else in your world behind and focus on nothing but "drumming" or whatever your musical ability may be. To allow yourself through those 4 days to refine and bring that internal rhythm of yours to the surface and just let it be.
- Mary Hinkson

A fulfilling musical/percussion learning experience/getaway in the mountains filled with lots of great music, drumming to your heart's content, seeing old friends, meeting new friends, good food ... a time you wish would never end.
- Tom Freeman & Linda Sachs

This is a fantastic "chill-out" time from my day to day work routine. It proved to be a spiritual renewal, setting in motion the possibility of re-energizing my entire being in some holistic way.
- Carole Freeman

It's designed to revitalize and re-energize the human spirit through rhythmic hand-drumming in a group of like-minded people, who work together so well that we become one sound.
- Dina Creighton

Rhythm Renewal is a gathering of spirits who find drumming a wonderful part of life...A chance for our inner child to come out and play by dance, by closing your eyes and learning that new rhythm, the one you couldn't quite get the day before or maybe the year before. We come together to learn rhythms, to dance, to laugh, to DRUM!
- Ramona

We call it "drum camp." It's a time to be away from home for some concentrated drumming and also to be introduced to new instruments and thoughts.
- Doug Patterson

It is four days focused on finding and getting in touch with your true self; the drumming is an added bonus. The Rhythm Renewal is a Family where everyone is welcome and encouraged to express themselves and their feelings... I know that it is a place that will accept me, no matter what condition I am in and it is a place where I feel loved and accepted, exactly how I am. I guess simply put, the Rhythm Renewal is the way the world should be, full of love and acceptance.
- Amy Cauldwell

It is a place of self expression without judgment. It provides motivation and encouragement to set you on your rightful path. The drumming IS an added bonus, because there is so much more to take away from the experience. Each year I attend the event, my life becomes richer.
- Stephanie Smith

Summer Rhythm Renewal : Web
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2009 Summer Rhythm Renewal New Details

Hello Rhythm Family and Welcome Spring!

I am very pleased to announce several new experiences just added to our 2009 Summer Rhythm Renewal Retreat. If you are planning on being there this year, be sure to register early. We are on track to sell out much earlier this year.

You can register now by calling the Saint Francis University Office of Continuing Education 814-472-3012 to secure your spot.

The Renewal is $279 on or before May 15 or $299 thereafter. (plus housing). http://www.RhythmRenewal.com

One of the great things about the Rhythm Renewal is that all of our instructors will be bringing brand new material to share with you this summer. We pride ourselves on being able to empower beginners while challenging those with more experience.

What's new for 2009?

First of all, our family of instructors is expanding-

Let's give them a warm welcome!

Jaqui MacMillan: Jaqui is a wonderful teacher from Westminster, MD who will presenting her workshop "Drumming for Joy". She has studied under drumming masters such as Babatunde Olatunji and Mamady Keita.

We're also adding an art component this year with Renewal alum Stephanie Smith: Aside from rocking the shekere', Stephanie is a gifted artist who will be presenting her workshop titled "Mandala: An Artful Meditation". Examples of Stephanie's mandalas can be found here.

William "Whit" Whittten will present: "Djun Djuns 101"
The djun djuns are akin to the bass guitar of West African music. Usually a set of three large barrel shaped drums,the djuns are played with sticks, and can be played sitting or standing. We will learn the "village" style of playing djuns, and several traditional West African rhythms. Finally, we will experience how djembe parts interlock with djun parts for a polyrhythmic fun fest! Great for drummers at any level.

And by popular demand, More dancing at the Renewal!

Becky Bickford will presenting West African Dance workshops more info coming soon...

Rhei C Gordon Bura will be presenting Nia Movement & Dance workshops- more info coming soon...

Elie Kihonia will do more Congolese Dance and Drumming as usual...

and more...

Renewal Vet Mike Deaton will be presenting more "all percussion" workshops this year.

Renewal Vet Jim Gagnon presents: "The Dreamtime Workshop"

Explore the possibilities of Dreamtime and Energywork through sound. This class includes beginning and advanced didgeridoo technique, Native American flute technique and vocal toning for meditation and therapy. We will experience many different realms of the awareness of sound and it's application as a healing tool. Add a touch of storytelling and humor for a fun and easy class for all ages.

Also, Renewal Vet (and wonderful Lehigh Valley facilitator/community hub) Moe Jerant will offer:

• Women's Rhythms: A look at rhythms associated with women and their rites of passage.
• Stick Rhythms: Unusual and somewhat trance like rhythms integrating the use of hand and stick.
• HealthRhythms Drum Circle: An opportunity to drum for community and stress reduction.
  

Harry Pepper will offer another installment of shamanic journey drumming.

Tina Stroh will offer early morning yoga.

And I will offer all new Yoga of Drum and Chant Experiences as well as an all new Drumming/Ecstasy& Evolution workshop...

Whew...this will be fun!

I imagine there will be a few more good surprises as well...stay tuned.

Peace, Jim

You can register now by calling the Saint Francis University
Office of Continuing Education 814-472-3012 to secure your spot.

The Renewal is $279 on or before May 15 or $299 thereafter. (plus housing). http://www.RhythmRenewal.com

5 Ways to Create A Deeper Connection with Your Music : Part 2

Photo by Kaylyn Oshaben

5 Ways to Create A Deeper Connection with Your Music : Part 2
by Jim Donovan

View Part 1 of this series. It contains Steps 1 and 2...

3rd step: Integrating your breath into your phrases. Learning how to integrate your inhalation and exhalations with your musical phrases.

This process involves lining up your exhalations with the downbeat. Simply breathe in a little before the beginning of the first phrase and exhale at the very beginning of the next phrase on the downbeat (also known as beat "one"). It's not necessary to do this on every phrase, but the key is to get into the habit of connecting your breath as you play as often as possible without hyperventilating. This kind of process not only keeps you relaxed, but it significantly helps you to remain focused and in the moment.

4th step: Aligning your intention with the music you are creating.

Here are a couple of ways to approach this:

1st way: If you are playing a piece of music with lyrics, and you know the meaning of those lyrics, you can hold in your mind the message or idea that the particular song is trying to convey. Bring this idea into your mind every so often as the song progresses. In this process you are aligning your own personal energy with that of the music.

2nd way: If you are not aware of the meaning in the lyrics of a particular song, or if it is an instrumental piece, it is still possible to inject intention into the music.  You can decide to hold a specific emotion or idea inside of yourself as you play.  For example; you can hold the intention of being an instrument of peace and imagine that every note you play resonates with that idea and actually helps to push that idea out into the world.

This step underlines something vital about the responsibility of a musician. Knowing that your instrument serves as an amplifier for the intentions and emotions you hold as you play.

To utilize the gift of music to it's fullest potential, it's important to take a few moments before you play to clear your mind, center yourself and reflect on your intention.  Remember your reason for playing in the first place.  Use whichever techniques you enjoy; stretching, yoga, deep breathing, going for a quick walk, meditation, etc.


Stay tuned for Part 3 coming soon...

5 Ways to Create A Deeper Connection with Your Music : Part 1

Creating a Deeper Connection to the Music You Play
by Jim Donovan

When learning to play the drums (many years ago..) I remember thinking that when I could "execute" and play a piece of music perfectly that I was "finished' with it. I thought that just executing a performance well was all there was to making music. After years of performance and watching the way an audience reacts to music I discovered that ''good execution" is only the beginning.

It was this realization that led me to figure out a way to share these ideas with people regardless of their musical ability so that they too could find ways to make their musical experiences more meaningful. What follows is part 1 in a series of a process that I use to connect with the music I play. I'll post all of the steps in future articles.

1st step: Learn the mechanics. Practice the actual physical movements on the instrument involved in the music you want to play. Continue to work on this until all of your motion is as effortless and relaxed as possible. Relaxation will allow for maximum endurance when playing something that requires a great deal of power or speed.

For example, If you sing while drumming, learn how the words fall in line with the coordination of your hands. This process is all about building muscle memory.

2nd step: Integrating your physical body into the pattern. Many times when we are making movements with our hands, all the motion and a majority of the energy ends up coming from our brains into our hands. This brain-hand coordination is only part of physically integrating a pattern.

The next part of this step is to allowing the rest of your body to participate in the pattern or phrases. Stevie Wonder is good example of someone who does this. Think about how he plays his piano. His whole upper body is moving with the rhythm of the music almost like a dance. If you were to see his feet, they would be moving around as well. His whole body is moving within the patterns he is creating.

A simple way to practice this idea is to allow your upper torso to sway back and forth ever so slightly in time with your pattern. The goal of this step is to really feel whatever your playing throughout your entire physical body. Eventually your motions will become very fluid and these motions will help to direct your musicality. This second step will help you to internalize the music and make it a part of you. Make these motions feel as natural as possible.

Stay tuned for part 2 next time...

Allow me to introduce "Drum the Ecstatic"

Allow me introduce "Drum the Ecstatic" by Jim Donovan

If you like to dance, have fun and listening to intense African infused drumming music. Check out my band "Drum the Ecstatic". We do an exciting combination of West and Central African music as well as many fun covers from Fela Kuti to Bob Marley to Rusted Root. I love playing with these guys, because every night we do something different and they challenge me to become a better musician.

Playing the group are mainstays such as Congolese music master Elie Kihonia on vocals, keys and drums, PJ Roduta & Bryan Fazio on congas and percussion, Brandon King on keys and percussion and myself on drum set & vocals. We often have good friends like Mike Deaton, Harry Pepper, Etse Nyadedzor, Sogbety Diomande, Bill Burke, Paul Berkobin, Bob Corson, Brian Bromka, Stephanie Smith, Moe Jerant, Jim DiSpirito and many others sitting in with us.

The cast of musicians is constantly changing which keeps it fun for us. Most times we play with no set list and just call out songs as they come up. We've been known to play shows where an hour of it are pieces we know, while other pieces we just make up on the spot. We've even been known to play an hour of disco & R&B covers if the mood strikes....

Mostly Drum the Ecstatic is all about just playing good music and enjoying each other.

If you have the urge to get your drum on, join us for our next concert on March 21 in Beaver, PA. Here are the details...

You can also check our schedule for all future dates here...

Watch Lady : Jim Donovan's Drum the Ecstatic International | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com