Why learn to play drums?
1. It's fun! There's nothing like seeing a 5 yr old or 70 yr old completely focused, happy and rocking on to their favorite band! Working their brain and their body, gaining knowledge and musical experience while having fun and building a lifelong source of enjoyment.
2. Increased physical strength and coordination Constant exercising of fingers and joints releases stress and builds general physical health, Increased coordination and strength – each limb of a trained drummer is capable of independent action as modern drum beats require “independance” ie, each limb playing a different part of the beat, thus training the brain to multi-task. Clem Burke, the drummer for Blondie, has been working with Dr. Steve Draper at the University of Gloucestershire, who monitored his heart rate during a concert, which got as high as 190 beats per minute, his exertion rate equaling that of a professional soccer player.
3. Analytical awaress and memory is enhanced Left brain/right neural connections are strengthened as students learn to first copy the masters and then find their own creative voice. As students learn to repeat simple to complex rhythms they become more analytical. According to the study by E. Glenn Shallenberg at the University of Toronto, IQ test scores of 6-year-old children significantly improved after receiving drum lessons. Shallenberg recruited a group of 144 six (6) year olds and separated them into 4 groups: those receiving drum lessons, voice lessons, drama lessons and no lessons. Children receiving the drum lessons showed significant improvement in their IQ tests, gaining an average of 7 IQ points. Meanwhile, children receiving voice lessons increased 6 points, those receiving drama lessons increased 5 points and children receiving no lessons improved 4 points. In his article in Psychological Science, Shallenberg concluded that musical training, in particular, was responsible for the extra IQ points.1
4. Social Skills As students achieve each new level of expertise they gain great self confidence. Those not lacking in self-confidence learn humilty by studying the contribution of the masters in the evolving development of world music. Social skills are built as students begin to play with others in bands and groups. Since there are far fewer drummers than guitar players they are in higher demand.
5. Discipline Discipline is built by setting realistic goals and achieving them on a regular basis and setting good practice habits.
Benefits for Adults:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief According to a study conducted by Michael Winkelman at Arizona State University, drumming induces relaxation, enhances awareness and releases emotional trauma so much that it is useful in treating addiction. Researchers at the Meadville Medical Center's Mind-Body Wellness Center have shown that group drumming reduces burnout and improves mood in long-term nursing care workers.2
2. Mental Health Research suggests the possibility that mentally stimulating pursuits can help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease 3
3. Physical Health Current research now shows the therapeutic effects of drumming techniques. Research indicates that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma and instigates self-exploration and realization. Specific studies conducted by professionals in the fields of music therapy and mental health show us that drumming helps control chronic pain and boosts the immune system 4
1. author Joan Webber 2. author James Gilmor 3. National Institute on Aging 4. Veteran Resiliency Project
1. It's fun! There's nothing like seeing a 5 yr old or 70 yr old completely focused, happy and rocking on to their favorite band! Working their brain and their body, gaining knowledge and musical experience while having fun and building a lifelong source of enjoyment.
2. Increased physical strength and coordination Constant exercising of fingers and joints releases stress and builds general physical health, Increased coordination and strength – each limb of a trained drummer is capable of independent action as modern drum beats require “independance” ie, each limb playing a different part of the beat, thus training the brain to multi-task. Clem Burke, the drummer for Blondie, has been working with Dr. Steve Draper at the University of Gloucestershire, who monitored his heart rate during a concert, which got as high as 190 beats per minute, his exertion rate equaling that of a professional soccer player.
3. Analytical awaress and memory is enhanced Left brain/right neural connections are strengthened as students learn to first copy the masters and then find their own creative voice. As students learn to repeat simple to complex rhythms they become more analytical. According to the study by E. Glenn Shallenberg at the University of Toronto, IQ test scores of 6-year-old children significantly improved after receiving drum lessons. Shallenberg recruited a group of 144 six (6) year olds and separated them into 4 groups: those receiving drum lessons, voice lessons, drama lessons and no lessons. Children receiving the drum lessons showed significant improvement in their IQ tests, gaining an average of 7 IQ points. Meanwhile, children receiving voice lessons increased 6 points, those receiving drama lessons increased 5 points and children receiving no lessons improved 4 points. In his article in Psychological Science, Shallenberg concluded that musical training, in particular, was responsible for the extra IQ points.1
4. Social Skills As students achieve each new level of expertise they gain great self confidence. Those not lacking in self-confidence learn humilty by studying the contribution of the masters in the evolving development of world music. Social skills are built as students begin to play with others in bands and groups. Since there are far fewer drummers than guitar players they are in higher demand.
5. Discipline Discipline is built by setting realistic goals and achieving them on a regular basis and setting good practice habits.
Benefits for Adults:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief According to a study conducted by Michael Winkelman at Arizona State University, drumming induces relaxation, enhances awareness and releases emotional trauma so much that it is useful in treating addiction. Researchers at the Meadville Medical Center's Mind-Body Wellness Center have shown that group drumming reduces burnout and improves mood in long-term nursing care workers.2
2. Mental Health Research suggests the possibility that mentally stimulating pursuits can help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease 3
3. Physical Health Current research now shows the therapeutic effects of drumming techniques. Research indicates that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma and instigates self-exploration and realization. Specific studies conducted by professionals in the fields of music therapy and mental health show us that drumming helps control chronic pain and boosts the immune system 4
1. author Joan Webber 2. author James Gilmor 3. National Institute on Aging 4. Veteran Resiliency Project