Why Learn to Drum? 1. It’s fun! 5 or 74 yr old, if you’re happy and rocking out to your favourite song you are working your brain and body, gaining knowledge and musical experience while having fun and building a lifelong source of enjoyment or employment! 2. Physical strength/ Coordination Exercising fingers and joints releases stress and builds physical health, increased coordination and strength. Using 4 limbs independently trains multitasking. BLONDIE drummer Clem Burke has an onstage heartbeat up to 190 BPM, the same as a pro soccer player. Drumming is therapeutic, accelerating physical healing, boosting the immune system, producing feelings of wellbeing, releasing emotional trauma, and promoting selfexploration and realisation. Studies in the fields of music therapy and mental health show that drumming helps control chronic pain and boosts the immune system. 3. Analytical awareness/ enhanced memory Left brain/right neural connections are strengthened as you learn to first copy the masters and then find your own creative voice. Learning to repeat simple to complex rhythms trains analytical skills. A study by U/T Glenn Shallenberg proved that IQ test scores of 6-yearold children significantly improved after receiving drum lessons, gaining 7 IQ points concluding that drumming was responsible for that change. Mentally stimulating pursuits like learning a language or an instrument, help reduce
cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. 4. Social Skills - As we achieve each new level of expertise we gain self confidence. If you are not lacking in self-confidence (!) you can learn humility by studying the contribution of the masters. Half the fun is that your social skills grow as you play in bands and groups. 5. Discipline grows by learning good practice habits, setting realistic goals and achieving them on a regular basis. 6. Relaxation/Stress Relief According to a study by Michael Winkelman at Arizona State U drumming induces relaxation, awareness and releases emotional trauma so much that it is useful in treating addiction. Researchers at the Meadville Mind-Body Wellness Center found that group drumming reduces burnout and improves mood in long-term nursing care workers.
Michael Beechey is the owner of oneplanetpercussion. com 778 269 DRUM His motto is “have fun learn to drum!”
23
