It is more and more crucial today (and HR professionals will agree), to find innovative ways to foster connection, teamwork, and engagement, especially in group settings. One such method gaining popularity is group drumming activities better known as drum circles or interactive drumming sessions. Remember to use the words ‘drum circle’ if and only if there is, in fact, a circle or a closed shape of some sort. These interactive sessions offer a unique blend of rhythmic exploration, team building percussion, and pure fun. But where exactly can these activities be applied? In which settings do they work best? What are the best places to use a drum circle? Here are some of the options in my opinion…
- Corporate Team Building Events: Over the last 2 decades, team building percussion sessions have become a staple in corporate environments. Companies are increasingly turning to drumming sessions to break down barriers, improve communication, and foster collaboration among employees. The rhythmic nature of drumming encourages individuals to listen, adapt, and synchronize their efforts, mirroring the dynamics of effective teamwork. Even if you may be able to disguise your true feelings or opinions in an interview setting, it is almost impossible in a drum circle setting where you are having so much fun that you can’t be anything but your authentic self. This is the most unique thing that a team building drum circle brings out…
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities are recognizing the benefits of incorporating drum circles into their curriculum. These activities not only promote creativity and self-expression but also teach valuable lessons in cooperation and leadership. Whether used in music classes, extracurricular programs, or as part of therapeutic interventions, drumming sessions can inspire students of all ages to engage with each other in new and meaningful ways. During the early days (with ages 6-9 years) these sessions are used to impart basic age-appropriate life skills such as sharing, being kind, being open and curious. Thereafter for the older age groups, more musical goals are identified. The interesting thing here is that depending on the desired area of focus of the school we can focus on more musical or more non-musical goals. The competence of the facilitator or teacher would be pivotal in such a scenario.
- Community Gatherings and Events: Drum circles are a popular feature at community festivals, wellness retreats, and cultural celebrations. These inclusive activities bring people together from diverse backgrounds to share in the joy of music-making. Whether participants are seasoned musicians or complete beginners, the shared experience of drumming fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the community. This is usually the best place to witness this activity in all its glory. Most of our team members have started by chancing upon a community drum circle somewhere and have responded to the call of the rhythm by learning how to lead groups using rhythm and become drum circle facilitators through our annual intensive course called “Find Your Inner Rhythm”.
- Health and Wellness Programs: The therapeutic benefits of drumming are well-documented, making it a valuable tool in various health and wellness settings. From stress reduction and relaxation to promoting physical fitness and emotional well-being, drum circles offer a holistic approach to healing. These activities can be found in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, yoga studios, and mental health facilities, where they are used to support individuals on their journey toward wellness. The important aspect to remember in these sessions is the credibility and expertise of the facilitator. The onus of this is with the facilitator. For example it is a non-negotiable that a facilitator be a psychologist to work in mental health settings or areas. There is a lot of gray area in India today about the use of the word ‘Therapist’ in one’s designation. The criteria for the same is a lot more stringent in the West. Awareness is rising gradually for all parties involved (the organizations, institutions and the practitioners or facilitators themselves) which is a very welcome change. The issue with a non qualified facilitator or an institution being too relaxed about who they employ ends up as a failure in the experience of the activity. This won’t work in the long run.
- Team Building Activities in Pune: In our very own Pune, a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and thriving business community, the demand for innovative team building activities is on the rise. Drumming sessions offer companies in Pune an exciting and effective way to strengthen bonds among employees, boost morale, and improve overall productivity. By incorporating team building percussion drum circles into their programs, organizations can create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact on their teams.
Group drumming activities have a wide range of applications, from corporate team building events to educational institutions, community gatherings, health and wellness programs, and beyond. Whether used to promote teamwork, foster creativity, or enhance well-being, drum circles offer a dynamic and engaging experience for participants of all ages and backgrounds. So, whether you’re looking to strengthen your team, connect with your community, or simply have some fun, consider the power of group drumming activities. When will Taal Inc. drum with you?
Come. Drum. Be One.
Varun Venkit
Team Taal Inc.
Varun is the founder and director of Taal Inc.
The visionary behind the motto
Come. Drum. Be One.
To read more about him Click Here