Djembe Drums for Music Therapy

By Ruth Williams


Hand-crafted African djembe drums are beautiful instruments with an interesting sound. Not just that, these drums are helpful for therapy and healing. Rhythm is an important part of the human experience, starting with the sound of the mothers heartbeat while still in the womb. Drum therapy builds on that experience to further encourage healing.

Music therapy with djembe drums works extremely well in a range of institutional surroundings. In particular, school children of every age group enjoy a session of playing rhythm musical instruments. Nevertheless the gain goes over and above simple pleasure. Making music has been found to be good for a child's intellectual growth in addition to reducing anxiety levels, both things which make drumming valuable as a therapy for kids with disabilities like ADHD, mental retardation, or physical difficulties.

The djembe drum extends back about 700 years, where it was initially crafted in the African country of Mali. The craftsman carves the drum using a single piece of tree trunk and tops it with an animal skin drum head. The drum is designed to fit between the legs of the player and be drummed on with the hands. Musicians can either learn traditional rhythms or play in line with the way they feel.

Drum circles are used for many types of therapy. When applied to an organization, the sense of community aids the music in creating wellbeing. Drum circles have been found to be useful for stroke sufferers, cancer sufferers, individuals wanting to break addictions, and other people young and old that are facing difficulties. Drums are utilized with Alzheimer's patients and it's thought that drumming can also help the body's immune system.

In a drum circle, the lead djembe drummer will often lay out the rhythm for the circle, with other instruments following his lead. Other instruments used include rattles, shakers, bongo drums, rhythm sticks, and tambourines. Schools often buy the instruments in classroom kits so that there will be something for every individual to play.

When choosing a djembe drum, it is important to think of the size of the individual who will be playing it. Heights of the drums range between 12 to 28 inches with the diameter of the head increasing proportionately. The drum should rest on the floor or chair when the player is seated. The head of the drum really should be positioned 3 or 4 inches above the lap. Therefore, the smallest children ought to be equipped with the smallest size of djembe drums.




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