Going off another tangent, as is the norm in these blogs. This week I have been immersed in the world of drums. Recording, practising, playing…. and learning. I’ve been slowly increasing my practice since last Spring due to increasingly difficult to resist playing opportunities.
Over the past several years I have always remained in touch with the kit at least every day but it wasn’t necessarily a formal approach to practising, it was more an energetic expression of an idea I may have had at the time.
With my new renewed routine, it has brought about a new reflective perspective on just how much drumming helps me and my head space. There is something about the physical nature of playing the drums that allows me to forget about the stressors of the day and focus on the moment, the way the stick hits the head, the way it bounces back from the energy thrown into it. I could spend hours working through rudiments (patterns) or placing accents (louder notes) within intricate rhythms. This rejuvenated drumming journey has prompted me to spend some time researching how drumming helps in community musicking and how it can bring cultures together as a unifying force that transcends language, social, and other barriers.
One of the primary ways drumming fosters this community is through its ability to synchronise both our movements and emotions. Studies have shown that rhythmic synchronisation, such as that experienced during group drumming, can enhance social cohesion by promoting feelings of unity and empathy among participants. This 'entrainment', occurs when individuals in a group physically align our rhythms with one another, creating a shared experience that can strengthen social bonds (read Music and social bonding study). I wonder if this also happens when we are playing in our bands?
In many cultures, drumming is integral to rituals, celebrations, and ceremonies, serving as a focal point for communal gatherings. For instance, in West African traditions, drumming circles are not just musical events but communal practices that involve storytelling, dance, and the transmission of cultural values. These gatherings create a sense of belonging and cultural identity, reinforcing the connections among community members (see previous blogs on belonging).
Drumming circles have also been increasingly used in modern therapeutic settings to build community and support mental health. These programs often attract diverse groups of people, creating inclusive spaces where individuals can connect through a shared rhythm, regardless of their background or experience. So when you next see me drumming on stage, don’t forget, there’s a whole other level when it comes to hitting things!
Oh… and watch your ears!
Adam Ficek hosts a monthly show 'Tonic Music' on Totally Wired Radio, where he talks to various guests about music and mental health. You can listen again to any of the previous show on the Tonic Music Mixcloud page.
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