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DCM Methods
Below are some of the ways we create community music.
A DCM session may incorporate one or more, depending on the goals of the group and the experience of the facilitator.
Drum Circles
A drum circle is a musical jam session where each participant is encouraged to participate in ways that are appropriate and productive. For some, this might mean playing instruments. Others might sing, dance, or listen. The goal of the drum circle is to create music that is shaped by the group as a collective,
taking an organic path towards an aesthetically pleasing result. The DCM approach to drum circle facilitation is about:
- using non-invasive supportive and shaping techniques.
- facilitating primarily through musical means.
- encouraging self-expression, exploration, and fun.
- providing instruction and guidance only when needed.
- becoming an equal member of the group.
- leaving space for input from all members of the group.
- helping people make personal connections through active music making.
- promoting recreational music making and other forms of creative expression.
- empowering people to create an aesthetically pleasing experience.
- incorporating singing, movement, and melodic instruments.
Visit the new DCM site for more about drum circles.
Rhythm Games and Drum Play
Rhythm Games are music-based activities that feature "play rules" or "givens" that shape the way people interact. Games often have specific outcomes in mind and, unlike a drum circle, are highly structured. Many rhythm games can be played without the use of musical instruments, which is another difference between a game and a drum circle.
Drum Play is any non-music-outcome-based use of drums and percussion instruments. This can include using drums to create sound effects (to embellish a story), make works of art (sculptures), and using instruments as props (for pantomime). Drum play is often used as a pre-musical experience to allow participants to become familiar with the instruments.
Rhythm Games and Drum Play are:
- focused on play outcomes, rather than music outcomes.
- helpful as an entry point for music making.
- examples of the non-technical use of instruments.
- often referential, rather than purely aesthetic.
- based on play rules and structure.
- outcome oriented activities, rather than improvisations.
- useful as cooperative activities and to create metaphors.
- often less challenging than playing music.
Guided Interactive Drumming
Guided Interactive Drumming is based in musical traditions that feature unified rhythms and dynamic musical interactions between a leader and a group. Interactive drumming is not improvised, as a drum circle, but highly directed and specific with regards to participation. Activities often involve teaching specific musical responses to cues that are provided by the leader. Participants are guided through a series of steps in order to reach a specific outcome. Interactive Drumming activities are:
- "top-down" and directed by the leader(s), rather than co-created.
- suited for populations who require structure and guidance.
- based in drumming traditions, such as those from West Africa or Brazil.
- centered in the use of "parallel play" rather than cooperative play.
- not improvised, but may include some input from the group.
- often used to promote a sense unity, power, and excitement.
Organic Music Making
Organic Music Making (OMM) is the practice of creating music that is entirely non-idomatic (without being confined to any musical genres or styles). Organic music making incorporates the principles of improvisation and may be created by a single person or a large group. Common configurations are two, three, and four people. Any combination of instruments may be used, from voices, to found sounds and orchestral instruments. Organic Music Making is:
- created in-the-moment without any planning.
- manifested through the principles of improvisation.
- open to anyone regardless of prior musical training.
- never conducted or led by any one person.
- used in music therapy and recreational music making.
- a gateway practice to formalized music making and a stand-alone practice.
- always different, fresh, and relevant to the players.
- based on musical techniques and aimed at creating aesthetically pleasing music.
Song Leading
Group singing has a long history and is by far the most common form of community music making. Songs may be traditional, popular, or improvised and are shaped by the participants with the help of the guide. Song leaning is an important part of most music-based programs because it provides a way for participants to verbally express thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Many songs have special meaning to participants and can impart a sense of pride, unity and belonging. Songs are also important teaching tools in most cultures, presenting ideas, concepts, lessons, and folklore as part of the verbal tradition. Song Leading helps to:
- bring a community together through a common means.
- give a voice to the group.
- pass along lessons, stories, and folklore.
- provide a connection to the breath and body.
- create a blanket of sound that envelops the group.
- complement instrumental play and dance.
- provide a platform for self-expression and communication.
These are just a few ways that we promote community music making and reach specific outcomes for our participants. The DCM Certification process ensures that a facilitator can not only create each type of experience, but that he/she can combine them into a custom program that meets the needs of the clients. Contact us for more information
Visit the NEW DCM site for more.
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