Thanks for your post! I agree that drumming is definitely an important tool for us to have as music therapists. For many people, drumming is an easier entry to music-making than singing or playing other instruments, and we know that it’s important to find success in music-making early to encourage continued musical exploration.

I do have to agree, though, that Doug makes a fair point. I’ve been in drumming groups as a participant before in which I was uncomfortable, and not in a good, challenge-myself-for-personal-growth kind of way, just…uncomfortable. Once, it involved drumming “to the spirits of the four winds” and included chanting, “thank you to the spirit of the east…” etc. This doesn’t fit my personal belief system, but I felt pressured to participate with the group. I didn’t like it.

I’ve also had older adult clients who seemed to feel demeaned or disrespected by being asked to play a drum or tambourine – like they were being treated like a child. For them, singing experiences were empowering and relationship-building, but drumming was belittling. That’s why I hate seeing “kitchen band” on the activity calendars at nursing homes. Many times, the group leaders don’t really know how to facilitate an age-appropriate experience and how to let people go who really aren’t benefiting – and may even feel harmed (disrespected or belittled) – by participating.

It’s our role as music therapists to facilitate music experiences that are appropriate to the needs of the client(s). Drumming interventions are helpful with a lot of groups, but we certainly don’t use the *same* drumming experiences with every group, any more than we would use drumming in every situation. That’s why you hire a music therapist – to have the whole RANGE of music experiences available to be adapted as needed.