What is a Drum Circle?

A drum circle is any group of people, typically arranged in a circle, spontaneously creating music and rhythm on a variety of hand drums or other percussion instruments. The circle can include a diverse group of individuals from all walks of life expressing themselves on their specific instruments. Each individual is essential to the greater whole of the experience. This helps to create a unique situation wherein individual creative self-expression contributes to the empowerment of the whole group or community.


Such rhythmic expression for the self and community is one of the oldest traditions known to man. It is thought to have originated from African and Asia, where some of the most ancient civilizations have resided. Drum Circles have and continue to be ingrained in traditions surrounding meditation, healing, celebrations, art, etc. Modern-day cultures embrace drum circles in settings such as hospitals, youth centers, nursing homes and a multitude of other group settings to promote community and well-being--an integral part of the healing process. 


Drum circles are unique in that they are not required to have a structure synonymous with a scheduled performance. There's no need for a start time or an end time--the drum circle is an end in itself. Along these same lines, drum circles transcend race, religion, culture, age, and gender. Drum circles can consist of just 2 people, or thousands of people. This all inclusive energy is what gathers people to drum circles in droves. What better way to build community across all walks of life? 

The use of a variety of percussion instruments that are accessible to players of all skill level also contributes to the all-inclusive nature of the drum circle. Drum circle instruments can include but are not limited to the following percussion instruments: (This diverse instrument assemblage is actually a striking metaphor for the different types of people spanning all cultures and belief systems in the drum circle: each unique part or member is essential for the whole): 

Djembe
Ashiko
Bongo
Conga
Cajon
Doumbek
Djun Djuns
Bougarabou
Udu
Shakers 
Talking Drum
Tambourines 
Ankle Bells (incorporated with dance)
Pots and Pans 

Djembe Drumming: Choosing a Hand Drum to Use in a Drum Circle

Djembe Drumming: Choosing a Hand Drum to Use in a Drum Circle: Drum circles have become a popular activity in America today.  Often lauded for their therapeutic effects, drum circles are a gr...

Choosing a Hand Drum to Use in a Drum Circle

Drum circles have become a popular activity in America today.  Often lauded for their therapeutic effects, drum circles are a great way to get involved with new peer groups and find a community to interact and make music with.

There are a variety of hand drums that can be used in a drum circle. In fact, nearly anything that makes a noise can be employed to add to the unique rhythm. An easy way to figure out the best instrument for you is to decide how much sound you are comfortable with making. 

Drums such as the djembe drum are heavy on the bass, and get heavier as the diameter of the head increases in size—some djembes can have bass that carries for miles (hence their traditional use in African drumming to communicate across the savannas.).  Choosing the djembe will mean your individual strokes on the drum will most likely stand out to some degree above the group.

For persons who are less comfortable with loud sound,  shakers are a great way to go.  Shakers can come in a variety of shapes amd sizes, and often shakers and other hand percussion instruments can add a unique accent layer to the drum circle without being overpowering, meaning they are an excellent choice for beginners and other people who are new to drum circles.

Bongos are another great drum option for drum circles. The bongos have a sharp sound, with each of the two heads creating a distinct contrast to the other. Bongos are often best used by experienced drummers, since their sharp sound stands out and can be used for solos and syncopated rhythms.

Other Latin drums such as the conga are a good middle ground for people who want to be a part of the core rhythm but also don’t want to stand out to the degree that they would while playing a djembe or bongos.  Congas can be played together or individually according to ability.

As stated earlier, virtually anything that makes sound can be used to add to the rhythm of a drum circle.  The most important thing is that the player feels comfortable participating and interacting with the rest of the circle regardless of playing ability! Check out the following link for the latest information on drum circle drums!

http://www.motherrhythm.com