Music Therapy: The Benefits of Utilizing the Djembe Drum

By Ruth Williams


Hand-crafted African djembe drums are beautiful instruments with an interesting sound. Not only that, these drums are helpful for therapy and healing. Rhythm is an important element of the human experience, beginning with the sound of the mothers heartbeat whilst still within the womb. Drum therapy builds on that feeling to further encourage healing.

Music therapy with djembe drums can be utilized in various institutional settings. In particular, school kids spanning various ages like a session of playing rhythm musical instruments. But the benefit goes over and above simple enjoyment. Producing music has been found to be good for a youngster's intellectual advancement along with reducing anxiety levels, both facts which make drumming useful as a therapy for youngsters with disabilities like ADHD, mental retardation, or actual physical difficulties.

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

Drum circles can be used various types of therapy. When applied to a group, the sense of community helps the music in generating wellbeing. Drum circles have been identified to be useful for stroke victims, cancer sufferers, individuals wanting to break addictions, and other people young and old who are dealing with problems. Drums are used with Alzheimer's patients and it's believed that drumming may even assist the body's defence mechanism.

In the drum circle, the head djembe drummer will often lay down 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 purchase the instruments in classroom kits to ensure that there will be something for every individual to play.

When selecting a djembe drum, it is essential to consider the size of the person 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 touch the floor or chair when the player is seated. The head of the drum ought to be located 3 or 4 inches above the lap. Therefore, the smallest children need to be equipped with the smallest size of djembe drums.




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