Rum Pum Pum Pum Pum

I have always loved music of all kinds, but I secretly have always wanted to learn how to play the drums and haven't learned yet! I decided to look up how I could use drumming in my career as a TR Specialist. As we talked about in class, Music Therapy is a very specific degree and requires specialized training to be considered a Music Therapist. But, elements of music therapy can definitely be incorporated into a TR program! Here is an awesome website that explains more about how music in general can be used in TR.


Benefits of using music as therapy include:

• Reduces anxiety and stress/ Relaxation
• Concentration
• Communication
• Pain relief
• Auditory Stimulation
• Increase alertness
• Self expression

But back to the drumming.......

According to this website, 

"Drumming Therapy is a method of utilizing the natural power of rhythm and music and applying it to an individual or group for the purpose of healing. A truly holistic healing approach, group drumming breaks down social barriers, promotes freedom of expression, non-verbal communication, unity and cooperation. Drumming awakens dormant emotions and unexplainable feelings of excitement, peace, and ecstacy. It decreases depression, anxiety, and stress, boosts immune system functioning and benefits physical health."

What I find so innovative about therapeutic drumming is that it can be used with basically any population, from cancer patients to people with Alzheimer's and kids with Autism. Looking at the benefits, it is clear anyone's quality of life can be improved!

Therapeutic drumming can achieve:

• physical and mental relaxation
• relief from stress
• a feeling of well-being
• some relief from depression
• temporary alleviation of pain and muscular stiffness
• a greater clarity of thought
• even a spiritual experience
• improved social networking
• strengthened personal and professional relationships
• more efficient teamworking

Therapeutic Drumming seems like a great tool to use in my TR career. Drumming is easy and pretty much everyone can do it and experience the benefits! Here is a super cool video I found about the use of Therapeutic Drumming with kids and adolescents with Autism!