How to Join a Drum Circle

A drum circle is a loosely formed group of amateur drummers playing in unison. Drum circle participants come from all walks of life and join these groups for musical, spiritual or social reasons. Drum circles may consist of a few people or hundreds, and they take place in parks, beaches, auditoriums and participants' homes. Players who join drum circles usually play hand drums or homemade instruments.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide why you want to join a drum circle. If it's just for fun, consult websites and your local band of hippies for times and places. If you are looking for a spiritual drumming circle, contact Wiccan or Pagan organizations in your area.

2. Buy a drum. West African inspired Djembe drums are common hand drums used by many drum circle members. If you don't want to spring for your own drums, just use coffee cans, wooden boxes, water bottles or other improvised or homemade drums.

3. Learn different rhythms. From funk and soul to African and Middle-Eastern, there's a rhythm for every mood and attitude. Or just join in and go free-style and come up with your own rhythms.

4. Use drum circles as a way to improve your health, coordination and attitude. Many drum circle veterans advocate the use of drumming and drum circles as a way to prevent the negative effects of aging and promote healing and mental acuity.

5. Turn the drum circle into a family affair. The use of rhythm and music teaches kids listening skills and teamwork. Some community centers provide drums for kids and their parents to use.

Resources

• Find more information about drum circles here.