Group Drumming Types
Same Instruments - Different Paths
There are several general categories of group drumming that are based on the population, the goals, the musical experience of the participants, and the training, experience, and qualifications of the person who is helping the group reach its goal.
The three basic categories of group drumming are:
- Drum Circles (Facilitated)
- Interactive Drumming (Guided)
- Drumming Ensembles
Drum Circles are a form of recreational music making, which means that
the focus is not on performance, education, or therapy, but rather on doing something that is interesting and enjoyable. The word recreational actually means
"refreshment of strength and spirits after work." No specific level of musical skill is required to participate.
In a drum circle, people come together to play improvised (in-the-moment) music with each other in a free-form setting. Participants often come and go as they feel appropriate and although there might be a general theme, such as to celebrate a place, person, movement, or just to have fun, the music is all improvised and everyone contributes to it as they are able and comfortable.
A drum circle may have a facilitator, someone who supports the group both musically and socially. The facilitator might host the event or be invited by the organizers. They might provide some instruments, help with basic playing techniques, and play a supportive role in the music making. A drum circle facilitator may have specific training and experience, such as being certifyed in DCM, but many facilitators are volunteers who just enjoy music and people and wish to help out.
In drum circles, there are also often people who prefer to dance, sing, chant, and just listen. There is the possibility of the use of recreational drugs at non-facilitated drum circles, such as marijuana and alcohol. For this reason, it's a good idea to find out what happens at a specific drum circle before attending.
Interactive Drumming is a form of group music making that incorporates specific activities that are led by someone who is experienced in any number of disciplines, such as music education, music therapy, team building, and spiritual practices. Interactive drumming is structured by the facilitator and participants are guided through a variety of interactions that help them reach specific goal areas, such as socialization, elevation of mood, sensory orientation, expression of thoughts and emotions, learning objectives, and spirituality. No specific level of musical skill is required to participate, however, some education and skill-building may take place as part of the program.
Guided Interactive Drumming is used in institutional settings, including schools, treatment facilities, retreat centers, community centers, and in activities designed for specific groups such as corporate team building. Guided Interactive Drumming is often a small part of a larger program and used as a way to bring people together within an accessible and equitable setting to create a sense of inclusion, cooperation, and appreciation.
An Interactive Drumming Guide is someone with the training, experience, and qualifications (such as DCM certification) to lead a group through specific activities to help them reach their goals. GID is used by Music Educators, Music Therapists, Consultants, Recreational Activity Directors, Home Schoolers, and other professionals. The person who guides the group often provides instruments and instructions as to how to use them. They will also design a specific program for the group to follow and make adjustments throughout the session to help the group reach its goals.
Drumming Ensembles are groups of musicians who come together to learn, practice and perform various musical works. The primary goal of a drumming ensemble is to perform music for others or themselves. Participants are often trained in music and drumming before joining the group. They may also apprentice for some time as a student and join the performance troupe at some point. All members of a drumming ensemble must maintain a specific level of musical competency to be part of the group.
Drumming ensembles often feature traditional (historical) pieces that are specific to a culture, geographical area, time period, or spiritual practice. The music that is played in a drumming ensemble is usually pre-planned and may incorporate improvisation by a soloist. Ensembles are often lead by someone who either founded the group or who moved up to the director position over time.
Drumming ensembles often perform and may go on tour to bring their music to various audiences around the world. Ensembles may also produce and release recordings of their music and develop a fan base of a period of time. Some ensembles have specific members while others may have a membership that changes over time.
How Do I Tell The Difference?
Even though all of the above groups use drums as the primary instrument, there are easy ways to tell the difference between a drum circle, guided interactive drumming, and a drumming ensemble.
In a Drum Circle:
- the music is improvised.
- participants come to play music.
- settings are often in public spaces and open to all.
- no specific level of musical skill is required.
- the facilitator (if there is one) plays a supportive role.
- people come and go.
- the goals are recreational
- other recreational activities happen around it.
- it may be part of a larger program.
- legal and illegal drugs may be present.
In Guided Interactive Drumming:
- the music is guided by a leader and may include improvisation
- the facilitator often has professional training, experience, and qualifications, such as in music education or music therapy.
- goals may be educational, therapeutic, spiritual, or developmental in addition to being recreational.
- some musical skill-building may be included.
- the setting is often institutional and controlled.
- participants often consist of a pre-determined specific group.
- instruments are usually provided by the leader.
- other activities, such as singing, movement, art making, and group discussion may be incorporated into a larger experience.
- alcohol and drugs are not usually permitted.
In a Drumming Ensemble:
- the music is formal and pre-planned.
- participants come to learn, practice, and perform.
- settings are often formal and performance-oriented.
- the director has training, experience, and professional qualifications.
- the group performs for audiences and may tour.
- the group may produce recordings and earn money.
- membership is by invitation and may include the same or different people over time.
- The use of drugs is often not permitted, but this policy varies from group to group.
What Will I learn in DCM?
DCM courses provide all the skills and guidance you need to become both an effective Drum Circle Facilitator and Interactive Drumming Guide. Your professional training, experience, and qualifications in other areas, such as music education, recreation, or therapy, will determine how you will incorporate group drumming into your work.
How do I become certified in the DCM approach?
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"I see their souls, and I hold them in my hands,
and because I love them they weigh nothing".
- Pearl Bailey
"You never see a group of keyboardists jamming together,
and even three guitar players in a room often canıt get along, but you
can have a group of 20, 30 or even 50 drummers playing together and theyıll
ask for more to join."
"Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire
to help, the desire to serve."
- Marianne Williamson |
